How Can You Minimize Further Damage To The Ozone Layer For Better Life?
Are you concerned about the depletion of the ozone layer and its dangerous or life-threatening impacts on human lives? Then you’re in the correct place.
In this article, you’ll discover how you could contribute, even in the tiniest way, to save billions of lives from the dangerous effects of ozone layer depletion on the earth’s ecosystem. Although there are international treaties such as the Montreal Protocol at the government level, only a few know about ozone depletion.
So, let’s save the environment together.
But first and foremost, here is a brief intro about the ozone layer and its depletion for those unaware.
Keep on reading!
What Is The Ozone Layer?
As shown in the diagram below, the ozone layer is the 2nd layer of the Earth’s atmosphere and one layer of the stratosphere. It’s a trace gas with only 3 molecules for every 10 air molecules.
Without this ozone layer, life on Earth would be virtually non-existent. Because like a sponge in your kitchen, these gas molecules in the ozone layer absorb 99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiation the sun omits. It thus saves billions of people from skin cancers, weaker immune systems, and the lives of plants and animals.
However, from 1975 onwards, there has been a massive drop in ozone concentration due to its molecules interacting with harmful chemicals emitted from the Earth’s human activities , including the substances released in commercial and industrial plants. As a result, how dangerous is this to human lives on planet Earth? Let’s find out next, shall we?
What Is The Ozone Layer Depletion?
First, in 1975, scientists discovered a significant drop in the concentration of ozone gas molecules in its Antarctic layer. This ozone depletion occurred due to the chlorine and bromine atoms released from the earth’s surface interacting with the ozone gas molecules.
Then, in 1987, international expeditors discovered a further alarming event: ozone concentration had disappeared over half of the Antarctic region, an area twice the size of the United States, creating a hole in the Ozone layer.
Going by the math, this drop was a 50% decrease in the Antarctic region, followed by a 3% decrease in the northern hemisphere. Because of this, ozone depletion, harmful ultraviolet(UV) radiation have reached the earth, and hence, the number of skin cancers, eye cataracts, and damage to the human immune system has escalated considerably.
So, what can you do to minimize the risks of further Ozone depletion?
How Can You Prevent Further Damage To The Ozone Layer?
Now you know the overall damage caused to the ozone layer and their consequences. So, let’s dive in to find out how to curb further ozone layer damage.
Although the majority of the damage to the ozone layer is caused by chemicals that you use for industrial or commercial purposes, no one-size solution fits all the scenarios.
So, in addition to precautions at the government level, such as the Montreal Protocol, which phases out the ozone depletion substances according to an agreed schedule, here’s what you can do on your own:
Go Organic
Use organic fertilizer, as chemical fertilizer is the greatest enemy of the ozone layer because it produces nitrous oxide, one of the gasses that depletes the ozone layer. Now, if you’re not a farmer, search for organic food. There is currently very little in stock. However, with the growing demand, there will be plenty of organic products in the future.
Drive less
Vehicles, too, emit nitrous oxide in their internal combustion. In the US, for instance, 5% of all the nitrous oxide pollution comes from vehicles. So, to minimize this use of nitrous oxide, you can attempt either of these:
- Public transport
- Walking
- Biking
- Carpooling
- Use Carbon Offset to neutralize the greenhouse emissions of your vehicle.
- Use 100% hybrid or electric cars.
Consume Less Red Meat
Now, I’m in no position to advocate what to eat and what not to eat. However, animal farms are also large producers of nitrous oxide. It is released when manure decomposes in cattle, dairy, and poultry farms. So if the demand for meat deescalates, farmers will be forced to find another alternative; hence, nitrous oxide will be low.
Ensure Proper Recycling Procedures When Servicing Your Vehicle’s A/C
When you service your vehicle’s air conditioning, ensure the workshop doesn’t merely vent the refrigerants into the atmosphere. Instead, they must be recycled and recovered correctly. If the mechanic is unaware, you need to educate them as much as possible on the impact of these refrigerants on the ozone gas molecules.
Avoid Burning Plastic Materials And Leaves
When you burn plastic materials in the trash, it releases Chlorofluorocarbons, which, as you already know, causes ozone layer depletion when it is released into the atmosphere. Likewise, when you burn leaves, they release Carbon dioxide, a green gas that depletes the ozone Layer. Thus, the ideal option is to reuse and recycle the waste materials as much as possible.
Use Fire-Extinguishers Without Halon Or Hydrogenated Hydrocarbon
If you own a business or are an industrialist, you must be using fire-extinguishers. Ensure that its main ingredients aren’t halon or hydrogenated hydrocarbon and thus use a model that doesn’t possess these harmful ozone-depleting chemicals. If it does, ensure you find a precarious waste center to dispose these chemicals.
Wrapping It Up
Now, you are aware of what substances deplete the ozone layer. Although the ozone layer began depletion in the 1970s, only a handful of the general public is aware of the negative consequences it causes on the earth’s ecosystem.
Suppose you have any love for your own life and the ecosystem. In that case, you must thoroughly educate people about Ozone layer depletion, its adverse effects, and how to prevent further depletion. Talk to your local council or environmental authority, and prepare speeches for your Lions or Rotary clubs to spread awareness.
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