Effects of Depletion of Ozone Layer

The ozone layer, also known as the ozone shield, is an area of the Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most UV radiation from the Sun. Although it has a high ozone (O3) concentration compared to other areas of the atmosphere,  it is still modest compared to other gasses in the stratosphere. The ozone layer has a concentration of fewer than ten parts per million, while the typical ozone concentration in the entire atmosphere is around 0.3 parts per million. Although its thickness fluctuates seasonally and geographically, the ozone layer is primarily located in the lower stratosphere, between 15 and 35 kilometres above Earth. The ozone layer absorbs 97 to 99 percent of the Sun’s medium-frequency ultraviolet rays, which might harm unprotected life forms near the surface if it weren’t for it.

Depletion of Ozone Layer

Ozone depletion is the steady lowering of the ozone layer of the Earth in the upper atmosphere. It is caused as a result of the discharge of chemical substances that contain gaseous bromine or chlorine from certain mankind activities. Over Antarctica and even in the polar areas, the thinning is most noticeable. Ozone depletion comes among the problematic environmental issues as it heightens the ultraviolet (UV) radiation amount reaching the surface of Earth, causing skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to genetic formation and immune system, among other health problems.

The ozone layer has been projected to retrieve over time due to continuing worldwide cooperation on this subject. Human activities have shown a vital impact on the dispersion and concentration of stratospheric ozone globally since the 1980s. Furthermore, scientists have reported that from at least 1980, a major annual declination in normal ozone concentrations started to take place. 

Ozone’s total integrated column levels declined globally by around 5% from 1970 to mid of the 1990s, according to measurements from satellites, aeroplanes, ground-based sensors, and other instruments, with little change after that. The highest ozone reductions occurred at high latitudes, while the smallest reductions occurred at lower latitudes. 

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

When the natural equilibrium between the creation & degradation of stratospheric ozone is disrupted, ozone depletion develops. Although natural phenomena can contribute to ozone depletion, human activities such as CFCs are increasingly recognized as major contributors. Chlorine and bromine are present in all ozone-depleting compounds. Because CFCs are very volatile and noncombustible, they evaporate quickly and can readily reach the stratosphere, where they begin destroying ozone molecules. These CFCs have also been shown to be harmful to human health. The photolysis of Cl2O2 is crucial to the ozone depletion event, according to a chemical model established roughly 20 years ago. However, atmospheric experts have discovered that the rate of this reaction is not as high as originally thought. 

• Rocket Launches that aren’t regulated

Rocket launches are another key source of ozone depletion on a massive scale. Unregulated rocket launches have been shown to cause far more ozone depletion than CFCs. It is anticipated that if rocket launches are allowed to go unregulated, they will cause far more ozone loss by 2050 than CFCs did.

• The Effects of Global Warming

The ozone layer is also depleted as a result of global warming. Most of the heat is trapped in the troposphere, which is the layer underneath the stratosphere, as a result of global warming and the greenhouse effect. Because of the presence of ozone in the stratosphere, heat does not reach the troposphere, causing it to remain cold. Because the recovery of the ozone layer necessitates the maximum amount of sunlight and heat, the ozone layer is depleted.

• Compounds of Nitrogen 

Small amounts of nitrogenous compounds emitted by human activities, such as NO, N2O, and NO2, are thought to be a major contributor to the ozone layer’s depletion.

Effects of Depletion of Ozone Layer

• Human Health Effects

Due to the ozone layer’s depletion, humanity will be exposed directly to the sun’s dangerous UV radiation. Humans may have major health problems as a result, including skin illnesses, cancer, sunburns, cataracts, rapid ageing programs, and a weakened immune system.

• Animal Reactions

UV light causes eyes and skin cancer in animals when they are exposed to it directly.

• Environmental Implications

Plants may have little growth, flowering, and photosynthesis due to strong ultraviolet light. UV radiation has a negative impact on the forests as well.

• Effects of Marine Life

UV radiation has a substantial effect on planktons. These creatures are at the top of the food chain in the ocean. The food chain creatures are also harmed if the planktons are killed.

Solutions to the depletion of the Ozone layer

The ozone layer’s depletion is a severe problem, and governments have established many programs around the world to combat it:

• ODS should be avoided

Reduce the usage of compounds that deplete the ozone layer. Avoiding the use of CFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as well as substituting halon-based fire extinguishers, are just a few examples.

• Vehicles should be utilized as minimum as feasible

The vehicles release many greenhouse gasses, which contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. As a result, automobile use should be minimized to the greatest extent practicable.

• Make use of eco-friendly cleaning supplies

Chlorine and bromine-releasing chemicals are included in most cleaning products, which enter the atmosphere & degrade the ozone layer. To protect the environment, these should be replaced with natural goods.

• It is recommended that the use of nitrous oxide be prohibited

The government should take action and limit the use of hazardous nitrous oxide, causing the ozone layer to deplete. People should be educated about the dangers of nitrous oxide and the goods that release the gas so that its usage is reduced personally.

Conclusion

Ozone depletion is anticipated to last for many more decades, allowing oceans to continue to warm & glaciers to melt. The longer ozone levels remain low, the warmer the oceans will grow, and the warmer temperature on Earth will last longer. Ozone concentrations fluctuate fast, especially in late winter and early spring, altering weather, the basic distribution of air-pressure peaks and valleys, as well as the polar vortex’s location & strength and jet stream.