Ozone Layer - Preservation of the Ozone Layer -  World ozone day - Ozone hole

What is Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is the atmosphere's protective shield that blocks harmful ultraviolet rays. The ozone layer helps prevent skin cancer, cataracts, sunburns, DNA damage, and ageing. Because of its importance and fragility, human-caused depletion of the ozone layer was declared a global emergency in 1988. Since then, efforts have been undertaken to restore the ozone layer.

International Day16 September for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Ozone depletion occurs when sunlight breaks down chlorine molecules to produce oxygen atoms (O2 ). These oxygen atoms combine with chlorine atoms (Cl 2 ) to make ozone (O3 ), which absorbs UV radiation. 0When the number of chlorine atoms exceeds the amount of ozone, the ozone layer depletes, causing more UV radiation to reach earth's surface. The result is increased incidence of skin cancers, eye problems, cataracts, and more serious consequences.

In addition to increasing our exposure to UV radiation, ozone depletion also affects the climate. Scientists estimate that about 0.5% of globally released greenhouse gases comes from tropospheric ozone.

How did we destroy the ozone?

Before 1987, the chemical responsible for ozone depletion was CFCs. The Montreal Protocol, signed in September 1994, banned production and use of these chemicals. Production of CFCs stopped immediately, while consumption ended gradually over 20 years. Today, the only known ozone-depleting substances are halons. Halons are not regulated under the Montreal Protocol and remain legal to manufacture and use.

What is being done about restoring the ozone layer?

To mitigate impacts of the Montreal Protocol, countries were given three options - comply fully, reduce their emissions, or compensate for lost production using alternative technologies. Countries choose one of these options; the United States chose to comply fully by phasing out production of CFCs.

How to Preservation of the Ozone Layer

1. Nitrous Oxide (N 2O)

The first step in preserving the ozone layer is reducing the amount of nitrous oxide we have emitted. N 2O is a greenhouse gas created when fertiliser use is high, such as in agricultural activities where crops are grown using chemical fertilisers. In many parts of the world, it takes 25 years for a single molecule of N2O emissions to break down and return to its original state. If you want to reduce your emissions of N2O, try switching to natural fertilisers such as manure-based compost.

2. Methane (CH 4)

Methane is known as a powerful greenhouse gas that is 21 times more effective than carbon dioxide at absorbing solar radiation. Fortunately, methane is not produced naturally by the human body, making it easier to avoid. When animals release methane into the air, they do not emit any additional harmful pollutants. So if you want to preserve the ozone layer while also helping your farm animals, consider grazing them without chemicals and make sure you store manure properly so it does not produce excess methane.

3. Carbon Dioxide (CO 2)

In order to stop damaging the environment and help protect the ozone layer, humans need to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide. One way to lower these emissions is to reduce the production of fossil fuels, and another way to decrease carbon dioxide is to convert our food waste to compost using bacteria and microorganisms. Composting reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Not only does it help the environment, but it also helps the cycle of life on earth.

4. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s)

Hydrofluorocarbons are man-made gases that contribute to global warming. Luckily, HFC’s are being phased out of the market, but until then, here are some ways to minimise their effects on the planet:

• Use low-flow showerheads and water coolers

• Reduce the number of shower heads and flush toilets

• Choose refrigerants that do not produce HFC’s

5. Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are gases that contribute to global climate change. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFC’s, halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. One method to reduce greenhouse gases is to switch to renewable energy sources. Another way to preserve the ozone layer is to turn off lights and appliances when not in use. You can also purchase compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce power consumption.

In conclusion, we must continue to find ways to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change, while protecting the health of millions of people around the world. We cannot afford to wait any longer.