World Ozone Day: Preservation Of Ozone Layer

World Ozone Day

International Day for the preservation of ozone is celebrated every year on 16 September. The objective of the “World Ozone Day” celebration is to spread awareness about the depletion of ozone layers among people so that they can find out possible solutions to preserve the ozone layer as human beings are more responsible for this depletion of the ozone layer.

World Ozone Day: History

Commemorating the date in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was signed, on 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly announced 16 September World Ozone Day to preserve the ozone layer.

Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol was signed on 16 September 1987. It was the first international treaty to be signed by all countries of the world and is considered the greatest environmental success story in the history of the United Nations. The Montreal Protocol phases down the consumption and production of different ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in a stepwise manner. Under this treaty, all parties have specific responsibilities related to the phase-out of the different groups of ODS, control of ODS trade, annual reporting of data, national licensing systems to control ODS import and export, and other matters.

What Is Ozone Layer?

Ozone

Ozone is a highly reactive and natural gas that protects our planet from U.V Light ( Ultra Violet Rays coming from the sun.). Ozone is made up of three atoms of Oxygen denoted as O3.

Ozone Layer is also called  “Ozonosphere”. It is a region of the upper atmosphere approx. 15 to 35 km ( 9 to 22 miles) above the earth surface. approx. 90 % ozone is found in the stratosphere, the region extending from 10-18 km (6-11 miles) to approximately 50 km (about 30 miles) above the earth’s surface. The temperature of the stratosphere increases with the increase of height, and this phenomenon is created by the absorption of solar radiation by the ozone layer. The ozone layer was discovered by French Physicists Charles Fabry and Henry Buisson in 1913.

Advantage Of Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is important for us, without the ozone layer survival on earth is very difficult. Without ozone, plants can not survive if plants can not survive then human beings also can not survive on this planet. Plant, as well as Plankton ( they serve food to ocean life), also can not survive due to heavy ultraviolet radiation.

Ozone stays in the stratosphere acts as a shield and protects the earth from the ultraviolet rays of light, if this shield was to weaken, we would all be more susceptible to impaired Immune system, cataracts and skin cancer (Ultraviolet rays is cancerous).

Disadvantage Of Ozone Layer

Ozone can both protect and harm the earth. It depends on where it resides. If ozone is present in the stratosphere it will act as a shield, it will reside in the troposphere (about 10 km from the earth’s surface), ozone is harmful. It is a pollutant that can cause damage to the tissue of the lungs and plants. So disruption in the ozone balance can have serious consequences.

Creation Of Ozone

When the sun ray’s split oxygen molecules into single atoms, ozone is created in the atmosphere. This single oxygen combines with nearly oxygen molecule and forms three molecule Ozone.

Depletion Of Ozone

In the 1970s Scientists has discovered the ozone layer is being depleted. Ozone layer depletion means the thinning of the Ozone layer in the atmosphere.

Causes Of Ozone Layers depletion

There are several factors that are responsible for Ozone Layer Depletion, but the main causes are-

Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs)- Chlorofluorocarbon is the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These are released by the refrigerator, Air Conditioner (AC), solvent, sprays aerosol.

Molecules of CFCs in the stratosphere are broken down by the U.V light and releases chlorine atom, this atom reacts with ozone and destroys it.

Unregulated Rocket Launches- Researches say that unregulated rockets are also responsible depletion of the ozone layer.

Nitrogenous Compound- Nitrogenous Compound No2, N2O, NO are also the cause of ozone depletion.

Natural Causes- The ozone Layer has been found to be depleted by natural sources like sunspots, stratospheric wind, but it does not cause more than 1-2 % of ozone depletion.

Volcanic Eruptions are also responsible for ozone depletion.

Solutions To Ozone Layer Depletion

• Avoid using Ozone Depleting substances (ODS), e.g. Chlorofluorocarbon in refrigerators and air conditioners.
• Minimise the use of vehicles that lead to damage to the greenhouse effect and ozone layers.
• Use eco-friendly cleaning products, use chlorine and bromine chemicals for cleaning damage the ozone layers.
• The use of Nitrous Oxide products should be prohibited. The government should take action to prohibit the harmful chemical nitrous oxide.

Frequently Asked Question

Question- What is Ozone Hole?
Answer– One example of ozone depletion is Ozone Hole over Antarctica that has occurred during the Antarctic Spring since the early 1980s. This is not really a hole through the ozone layer, but rather a large area of the stratosphere with a low amount of Ozone. It is important to understand that ozone depletion is not limited to areas over the south pole. research has shown that depletion occurs over the latitude that includes North America, Europe, Asia, and much of Africa, Australia and South America.

Question- Why do we care about atmospheric ozone?
Answer– Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs a large amount of ultraviolet radiation. Ozone in the stratosphere is considered a Good Ozone because of this beneficial role. In contrast, ozone formed on the earth’s surface in excess of the natural amount is considered a “Bad Ozone” because it is harmful to humans, plants and animals.

Question- Are there control on the production of ozone-depleting substances?
Answer– Yes there is control of Ozone-depleting substances, The Montreal Protocol has been signed on 16 September 1987 by all countries of the world and every year on 16 September is celebrated as World Ozone Day to spread the awareness of ozone depletion and its side effects.

Question- Which type of ozone-depleting substances are responsible for Ozone depletion?
Answer– Chlorofloro Carbon, Chlorine and Bromine chemicals, vehicles and Natural disasters like Volcanic eruptions are responsible for the Ozone layer depletion.

Question-Will the Ozone layer recover?
Answer– The ozone layer is expected to return to a normal level by 2050. But it is very important that the world complies with the Montreal Protocol.

Conclusion

Due to ozone depletion, our planet is in trouble. Ultraviolet rays of the sun will harm humans, animal and plants, It’s our responsibility to increase awareness and control the ozone-depleting substance and these are highly responsible for this damage. Protect yourself from ozone layer depletion by avoiding excessive sun exposure. Take care of your appliances to minimize ozone layer impact.

Disclaimer

The effort of this site is always to reach the right information to people, after reading any information please visit the official website.

References

www.ec.europa.eu, www.indiatoday,in, www. business-standard.com, www.byjus.com, www.epa.gov