Fathima Angel M.

Camangian
CIV 0312-3
PROBLEM SET # 2

Item #1

The ozone hole and its recovery are discussed by NASA's Earth Observatory, which also
provides a collection of satellite photos from 1979 to 2018 demonstrating the ozone hole over
Antarctica. The ozone hole has been closing ever since the Montreal Protocol, which forbade
ozone-depleting substances, went into effect in 1987. Ozone depletion in August and September
decreased by 20% during the years 2005 and 2016. Then, in 2017, the smallest ozone hole since
1988 was discovered, and it is anticipated that by the middle of the twenty-first century, the
ozone layer over Antarctica will have mostly recovered. This encouraging development is an
important step in shielding the Earth from dangerous UV radiation. It also discusses how
pollution, in particular the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), caused the deterioration of the
ozone layer. As an illustration, CFCs convert to chlorine when exposed to UV light, which kills
ozone molecules. Low temperatures that hasten CFCs' transformation into chlorine that damages
ozone are what have the biggest impact on the Antarctic ozone hole. The Antarctic ozone hole
will shrink to less than eight million square miles as a result of the Montreal Protocol, which has
caused a fall in chlorine levels. It is predicted that it will take around 50 years for chlorine levels
to return to their normal state.

References:
 https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/videos/the-ozone-hole
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU6pxSNDPhs
Item #2 Reflection Essay

Greta Thunberg’s compelling speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit,
capturing global attention and highlighting climate change's significance, stood out not just for
its content but also for her unique position as a young activist. Her speech was characterized by
moral clarity, bluntly calling out world leaders for their inaction, resonating with millions, and
challenging complacency, and her youth emphasized the urgency of climate action and the
younger generation's vulnerability to environmental crises. It transcended boundaries, resonating
with people from diverse backgrounds, stressing that climate change is a global crisis
necessitating cooperation, and it also sparked the "Fridays for Future" movement, demonstrating
the power of youth-led initiatives in driving change. Her powerful speech challenged traditional
diplomatic approaches that had failed in addressing climate change by boldly criticizing world
leaders, and as a consequence, it redefined leadership, emphasizing commitment over age or
title, inspiring young activists to demand accountability. A central theme was the need for urgent
action, reinforcing the science behind climate change and its impending consequences and
highlighting the gravity of the situation. The speech urged many world leaders to confront their
moral responsibility to future generations, epitomized by Greta's question, "How dare you?".
Many policymakers reevaluated their climate policies and set ambitious targets. Greta
Thunberg's speech marked a pivotal moment in the climate movement's history, galvanizing
millions worldwide and exposing the inadequacies of the existing climate framework. It has
spurred a renewed focus on climate action, with nations committing to ambitious targets. Greta
remains a leading voice in the fight against climate change, a testament to individuals' power to
effect change when driven by passion, conviction, and a moral responsibility to protect the planet
for future generations.

Refences:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAJsdgTPJpU
 https://www.npr.org/2019/09/23/763452863/transcript-greta-thunbergs-speech-a
the-u-n-climate-action-summit