Earth Crisis: Our Ailing Earth

Ozone Depletion

Ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere is the result of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. Depletion is severe over Antarctica in spring, causing the "ozone hole". However, the layer of ozone that protects us from harmful radiation of sun is getting thinner. The ozone is made up of three oxygen atoms bonded to form O₃. This mixture is different from the oxygen we breathe. The ozone is colored blue and has a remarkably strong odor. The ozone molecule is a very rare molecule. If you are given ten million air molecules, only three molecules will be the ozone molecules. Even a small portion of the ozone will play an important role of protecting the earth. The poisoning of the Earth’s ozone layer is increasingly attracting worldwide concern for the global environment and the health effects of life on the earth. There is not just one particular cause for the ozone’s depletion; the accumulation of different pollutants into our ozone layer has all added up and equaled out to create a worldwide problem. There is not just one effect from the poisoning of the ozone, but instead multiple ramifications from diseases to death. The damage to the ozone is increasing with every second.

The atmosphere is a blanket that covers the world and allows the living creatures of the world to survive. It holds in our oxygen and keeps the harmful UV rays away from the planet. Due to pollution and other causes, this blanket has been torn. Now we are not protected at the same level as before. Ozone depletion is one of the most significant environmental problems, which scientists around the world pay attention to. The ozone layer plays a critical role in filtering the appropriate amount of ultraviolet radiation (UV) penetrates to the surface of the earth.

People throughout the world are voicing concern with the environment. Today, it is not unusual to read about environmental problems. One problem that is important to all of us is the depletion of the ozone layer. Today, the ozone is depleting in the summer as well as in the winter and not just over Antarctica, but also over other countries such as the United States. Many countries are starting to take steps to help reduce the depletion of the ozone. However, all the countries in the world need to come together and do more.

The main cause of the ozone depletion is chlorofluorocarbons’ (CFCs) being released in our environment. These affect the ozone so much because they have a chlorine molecule that reacts with the O₃ particles the ozone is made up of. These O₃ particles the ozone is made up of, protect us humans and plants from UV rays. It does this by reflecting some of them back into space. Our ozone is loosing these particles in mass quantities. It is estimated that 1 chlorine carbon can destroy thousands or more O₃ particles.

Ozone depletion is the result of over using chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons and methyl bromide has caused many negative effects on humans, plants, marine ecosystems and materials; however, we can help to reduce further depletion by limiting the use of such chemicals, which has been attempted in some cities in the USA.

The ozone layer shields the earth from most of the harmful radiation and light coming from the sun. The ozone reflects and absorbs the ultraviolet rays that try to come in. Without this kind of protection, these UV rays will affect all living things. Skin cancer develops in most living mammals as a cause of an overabundance of the suns ultraviolet rays.

The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987 and subsequently strengthened, has led to phase out of most CFC and halon use. However, CFCs and halons last for a long time in the atmosphere. We will have to wait for decades before the ozone layer completely replenishes itself.