Solutions to Prevent Ozone Depletion

September 16 was voted World Ozone Day in the year 1994 by the United Nations General Assembly. On this day in the year 1987, the Montreal protocol to prevent ozone depletion was opened for signing. This proves ozone depletion is a big issue that needs attention.

Rapid industrialization coupled with some inventions has caused more harm than good to the living beings. Yes I agree that, industrialization and inventions like that of refrigerators and vehicles have blessed humans in a big way. Industrialization created jobs and gave people a lifestyle. Invention of commodities like refrigerators and vehicles eased life to a huge extent. But think about the negative effects, there are plenty. Environment was the direct and most affected victim of rapid industrial growth. Atmosphere around us has witnessed such a drastic makeover! From the early conducive, serene and healthy living atmosphere, it has now transformed into a 'polluted' and stressed surrounding. We the humans, now have to encounter problems like global warming, ozone depletion, water scarcity, melting glaciers, the list is big. Luckily for our future generation, the concerned people in the world realized the effects of ozone depletion in the late eighties, and from then on, the awareness to safeguard the ozone layer gained huge momentum, and is still continuing. Let's get acquainted with some facts about ozone depletion.

What is Ozone Depletion

Ozone is a bluish colored atmospheric gas which is formed when 3 oxygen atoms combine together through a chemical reaction. About 90% of this gas is found in the stratosphere, which is one of the atmospheric layers. The gas protects living beings on the earth from harmful effects of the UV rays. These rays are very harmful and over exposure to the rays can prove fatal and lead to many serious complications. Due to many factors which we have discussed later in the article, the ozone layer is depleting at a fast pace. This results in UV rays reaching earth and cause destruction. In fact, a major hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctica skyline now threatens the continent badly. There are plenty of causes of ozone depletion, CFC emission being one.

Ozone Layer & CFCs

The ozone layer is a part of the stratosphere, and is composed of the ozone (O3) molecules. These molecules absorb the harmful UV rays of the sun and prevent it from reaching the earth surface. Exposure to these rays cause much harm to living beings and environment. Exposure to these rays can cause skin problems as high as skin cancer. Environmental studies suggest that these rays can cause cancer, and increase the probability of the spread of infectious diseases. These UV rays also affect the eyes and can lead to vision problems. Plants and animals are also the victims of UV rays exposure and it affects the food chain in a dangerous way. In short, the depletion of the ozone layer results in an imbalanced ecosystem.

We had discussed earlier that industries are partly responsible for causing ozone depletion, but 'why are they responsible' must be the question in your mind. The reason is emission of CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) from these industries. CFC is an organic compound, and is primarily used as a coolant in refrigerators and air conditioners. The CFC emission reaches the stratosphere and destroys the ozone molecules there. Are you aware of the worrying fact that each year about 1 million ton of CFC is emitted in the air. The figure is huge, the use of CFC is also flourishing in the making of sterilizers. Apart from the CFC, emission of hydrocarbons and chemicals like methyl bromide, halogens and methyl chloroform destroys the ozone layer. Most of these chemicals have applications in pesticides and industrial solvents. Though the majority of nations have banned the use of the major component CFC, it is still used by many unconcerned people secretively, and we need to sit up and think of solutions to prevent ozone depletion through some other means. What follows is a detailed discussion of the same.

Phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances - The Montreal Protocol
The Montreal protocol was based on - phasing out of CFCs and other hydrocarbons that harm the ozone layer. The focus of the treaty is gradually phasing out the production of these substances. Many modifications were made to the treaty in the later years after it came into force in 1989. If strictly adhered to, the treaty can control the ozone depletion by the year 2050. Till now more than 190 nations have signed the Montreal protocol, and have started phasing out the production of ODS substances. In fact some major first generation ozone depleting substances (ODS), like the halons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methyl chloroform, methyl bromide have been phased to a great extent. The key agreements of the protocol are, banning the release of the ODS during refrigerator use, maintenance, and disposal. It also made it mandatory for the manufactures to label the substances that contain the harmful ODS. The Montreal protocol is considered the best positive step to protect the ozone depletion, and countries should adhere to this protocol and be more stringent with the industrial manufacturers. Powerful countries like USA, and some other European countries have agreed to ban the total production of the CFCs. This is also the best step forward because these counties produce more than quarters of CFCs in the world. It is a layman's thinking that other counties should also be encouraged to totally ban the CFC production rather than limiting or phasing it out. But, there is major issue with it, CFC sources are very widespread. Ranging from the automobile industrial avenues like printing, dry cleaning, baking, etc., all use CFC to some extent. A total ban on the CFC usage will break these industries and lots of products would be lost. Apart from these effects, there would mass loss of employment. Thus gradual phase out of the CFCs or finding safer alternatives for CFC is the only solution that remains.

Your Role in Preventing Ozone Depletion
You have a role to play to avoid the catastrophic dangers of ozone depletion. Your role might be small but imagine if all humans work together, the results would be remarkable, truly. Each one of us is expected to follow the below guidelines.

• Electronic appliances emit CFCs in air even when they are not in use and are just plugged in. So always unplug the electronic instruments when they are not in use.
• Walk and avoid use of vehicles if you can, in fact you have to do this. Simple measures like using public transportation instead of your own private vehicle will help a big deal.
• Prefer buying energy efficient appliances like the fluorescent bulbs, these products usually come labeled as energy efficient.
• Plant trees, though they do not play a direct role in ozone depletion, they absorb UV rays greatly and thus protect the environment.
• Replace your age-old refrigerators and air conditioners that are not energy efficient. They are the major contributors of CFC in the air.

The world faces a serious catastrophic problem in the form of rapid ozone depletion. Much damage has already been done - there is huge amounts of CFC gas floating in the stratosphere, destroying ozone. The chlorine atom in the CFC destroys ozone molecules and the CFC gas can remain in the atmosphere for centuries. Ban on CFC and hydrocarbons, is the need of the hour. Save ozone, save earth.