Depletion of the ozone layer

Ozone molecules are formed by three oxygen atoms. The ozone layer present in the atmosphere protects us from the harmful UV rays from the sun. Ozone depletion means the deterioration of this layer in the upper atmosphere. This is largely a result of uncontrolled human activity which has proved disastrous for the environment. The O3 or the ozone layer is getting depleted day by day due to the reaction of chlorine or bromine atoms with an oxygen atom.  Major contributors to the depletion of the ozone layer are chlorofluorocarbons and other propellants.

Causes of ozone layer depletion

Chlorofluorocarbons are the major contributor to ozone layer depletion. Discarded Air conditioners and Refrigerators release CFC into the atmosphere. The CFC molecules exposed to UV rays split up to form the chlorine atoms. The chlorine atom reacts with ozone

Factories and industries release smoke. This is one of the main reasons why the chemical smoke is directly released into the atmosphere leading to one of the major causes of ozone layer depletion. Human activities have always had a significant effect on the global concentration of stratospheric ozone (the uppermost layer) since 1980. People overusing the provided resources tend to cause ozone depletion at its verge. 

Fossil fuels and other natural causes such as volcanic eruption and the sunspot cycle also cause ozone layer depletion.

The UV radiations of the sun are a big threat and alarm and the only outcome of ozone depletion.

Effects of ozone layer depletion

One of the main and significant effects of ozone layer depletion is that it is causing the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays to pierce through and reach directly to us. The reason why skin tanning has become even more common in cities and its speed is all due to ozone depletion. Ozone depletion causes ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth’s surface and hence will increase the rate of harmful skin problems like skin cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic immune system disorder. This magnifies all the effects of UV on human health, and on top of it, the increased surface of ultraviolet leads to increased tropospheric ozone, which is a major risk to humans. Other than humans, it has a drastic effect on the environment and the ecosystem as well. The UVB radiation has also resulted in causing early-stage development damages to even sea creatures like crab, fish, amphibians, and other marine animals as well.

Solutions to the problem of Ozone depletion 

Finding the solutions to protect the ozone layer is very important. Many such solutions are listed below –

• Decrease the use of gases that can cause damage to the ozone layer, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and methyl bromide. Even the manufacturing of such gases must be reduced. 
• Reducing the use of engine vehicles and instead walking or cycling for short distances is one of the effective solutions towards a good environment and good health. 
• Carpooling with others will decrease the use of automobiles to too much extent.
• Decreasing the use of air conditioners as they release CFC gas. 
• Prevent the use of cleaning products with harsh chemicals as they are very harmful to humans and the environment too. Instead of that one can use local and natural cleaning products that are degradable and non-toxic.

Conclusion

The ozone layer is critical to the survival of life on earth, and therefore, ozone layer depletion must be tackled on an urgent basis. 

The emission of gases produced by cars contributes to ozone layer depletion. Maintenance of CFC release can also help in recovering the ozone layer.

Increased deforestation has led to rapidly decreasing oxygen levels and increasing CO2 levels, causing holes in the ozone layer that are potentially irreversible. Many solutions can help us to stop further depletion of the blanket of the earth, such as afforestation, cycling for a short distance, using 3R’s, and many more.