THE OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

Introduction
The ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of this layer in the upper atmosphere that is
caused by the release of chemical compounds produced by industry and human activities. We can
see how it affects polar regions, like Antarctica, which is just the example we saw in the last
essay.

This problem is serious because the amount of ultraviolet radiation on the earth's surface has
increased, causing skin cancer, eye cataracts and genetic damage to the immune system, which is
why international treaties, panels and conventions have been created with the intention of
stopping the production and use of chemicals to give the ozone layer time to recover.

Causes
- Chlorofluorocarbons: Released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc.
It’s chlorine atoms react with the ozone layer.

- Unregulated Rocket Launches.

- Nitrogenous Compounds: NO2, NO, N2O are highly responsible for this depletion.

- Halons: Fire extinguishers.

- Carbon tetrachloride: Fire extinguishers, solvents.

- Methyl chloroform: Adhesives, aerosols

- Hydrofluorocarbons: fire extinguishers, air-conditioners, solvent

- Natural Causes: Sun-spots , volcanic eruptions and stratospheric winds cause no more than
1-2% of the ozone layer depletion.

Effects
- Human Health: Since we are exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun due to the
depletion causing skin diseases, cancer, sunburns, cataract, quick ageing and weak immune
system.

- Effects on Animals: Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiations leads to skin and eye cancer.
- Effects on the Environment: Ultraviolet rays can produce minimal growth, flowering and
photosynthesis in plants and it’s forests.

- Effects on Marine Life: Planktons are greatly affected by the ultraviolet rays and since they
are demanded in the aquatic food chain if they disappear the other organisms are gonna be
affected.

International Solutions
The Montreal Protocol: It’s objetive is to cut down the production and consumption of ozone-
depleting substances.

The Copenhagen Amendment (1992): Phase-out of consumption and production of CFCs.

The Kigali Amendment: Phase down of HFCs

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer: Promoting authentic cooperation
between politics, science and economics regarding the ozone layer.

The Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP): provides technical information
related to the alternative technologies to eliminate use of Ozone Depleting Substances

The Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP): Assesses the status of the depletion and other
atmospheric issues.

The Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP): Assesses various effects of ozone
layer depletion.

Conclusion
Concluding, the different forms of pollution, especially human activities have been affecting the
ozone layer, causing the change in pressures to increase the temperature of the planet, causing
damage to health, fauna and flora. This alters the ecosystems and therefore many will alter our
lives.

That is why we must become aware of our actions and contribute to reducing our carbon
footprints to take care of the planet, because otherwise climate changes will begin to manifest
drastically, such as the effect of "El Niño" which in places like Peru has caused that no There is
winter this year due to the high temperatures that are being recorded.

References
Admin. (2022, May 11). Ozone layer depletion - cause, effects, and solutions. BYJUS. https://
byjus.com/biology/ozone-layer-depletion/#causes-of-ozone-layer-depletion
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/
international-treaties-and-cooperation-about-protection-stratospheric-ozone

Nunez, C. (2023, January 10). The facts about ozone depletion. Environment. https://
www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/ozone-depletion