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Ozone Depletion
Definition: Ozone depletion refers to the destruction of ozone in the ozone layer due to the presence of chlorine from manmade chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other forces.
Cause of Ozone
- The problem of ozone depletion is caused by high levels of chlorine and bromine compounds in the stratosphere.
- The origin of these compounds is: CFC, which is used as cooling substances in AC and refrigerators; or and refrigerators; or
- Aerosol propellants and Bromofluoro carbons (halons), which is used in fire extinguishers.
Main Effects of Ozone Depletion
- Because of the depletion of the ozone layer, more ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes to earth and causes damage to living organisms.
- UV radiation seems to be responsible for skin cancer in human beings.
- UV radiation lowers the production of phytoplankton, which affects other aquatic organisms.
- UV radiation can also influence the growth of terrestrial plants.
Montreal Protocol
- As the ozone layer prevents most harmful wavelengths of ultraviolet light from passing through the earth's atmosphere, its depletion has generated worldwide concern. It has led to the adoption of the “Montreal Protocol".
- Montreal Protocol is a historical treaty designed by the members of the United Nations to protect the ozone layer by phasing out CFC, which is supposed to be the main reason for ozone depletion.
- Under the Montreal Protocol, all the signing members agreed to freeze the consumption and production of CFC by the year 2013.
- India signed the Montreal Protocol along with its London Amendment on 17.09.1992.
- The Montreal Protocol has significantly reduced the burden of CFCs in the stratosphere and helped in ozone recovery.
