1.

Explain Ozone Layer depletion what are its causes and how we can use precautions to prevent it

Answer» UV rays are very harmful to living things. It can cause diseases like skin cancer and can also alter the climate drastically. The ozone layer protects us from these harmful rays and is essential for life on earth.The ozone layer is not uniform throughout the earth; it is found in a thick layer at some places and a thin layer at others. If this\xa0layer becomes too thin, it cannot stop the UV rays from entering the earth and we say that a hole is formed in the ozone layer. Antarctica has the biggest ozone hole followed by the Arctic region and the Tibetan plateau. In these places, the layer was naturally thin, but over the years due to air pollution, these holes have grown bigger and thinner. They are a serious cause of worry across the world.Causes of Ozone Layer DepletionThe primary reason behind the reduction of the ozone layer is the use of\xa0Hydro- Chloro-fluoro-carbons (HCFCs) and chloro-fluoro-carbons ( CFCs). They are compounds of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon such as CF3Cl, CHCl2F etc. These are used as refrigerants in refrigerators, air conditioners, and in cooling plants. These molecules can destroy O3 molecules and therefore depletion of\xa0the O3 layer.Nitrogen oxides such as nitrous oxide are also very reactive to O3 and are also responsible for holes in the ozone layer. These molecules are released by burning fossil fuels by cars and especially airplanes which fly near the ozone layer.Since 1975, the hole has increased in size due to depletion in the ozone layer. Reductions of up to 70% have been found in some areas.Prevention\xa0of Ozone Layer DepletionAll is not lost though. The depletion\xa0of the O3\xa0layer has almost stopped today and there are signs that it can grow back. This is because countries around the world have agreed to stop the production and use of CFCs and HCFCs.They have also introduced the application of bio-control agents for controlling the plant pests. In January 1989, the Montreal protocol was signed to limit the use of CFCs and HCFCs. 197 countries have ratified this protocol which has reduced CFC production by 98% today. It remains the most successful environmental treaty to this date.Today there are better CFC free refrigerants available that do not pollute the atmosphere. Almost all the air-conditioners and refrigerators you buy today do not contain these harmful pollutants.


Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions