Introduction
The depletion of the ozone layer is of great concern to many scientists and policy-makers who have to find ways of stopping or at least reducing this process. Researchers have detected a great number of ozone holes and they can pose a significant threat to the health of many people and animals (Becket and Gallagher 197). They can also damage various plants that are important for ecological sustainability (Becket and Gallagher 197). Furthermore, this issue is relevant to a great number of countries. This paper is aimed at discussing the causes of ozone depletion, its impacts on environment, and strategies that can be used to address this problem. Overall, it is possible to say that to a large extent, the origins of this problem can be traced to human activities, especially the use of chemical substances. Moreover, it requires close international cooperation of environmental agencies as well as political leaders because the depletion of the ozone layer can have significant implications for nations.
Ozone depletion and its causes
First, it should be noted that the ozone layer is a very important component of atmosphere because it absorbs the ultraviolet light emitted by the Sun and protects livings beings from this dangerous radiation (Tobin 595). One can say that it acts as a shield that protects the Earth. Furthermore, ozone can interact with various chemical substances that can reach the stratosphere (Tobin 595). Scientists believe that that the existence of ozone holes can be attributed to a variety of factors. One of them is the presence of chlorofluorocarbons in the upper layers of atmosphere (Tobin 595). The problem is that the gases containing chlorine dissociate when they are exposed to ultraviolet light; as a result, the atoms of chlorine enter into a reaction with ozone and its layer eventually becomes depleted (Tobin 595). Additionally, one should take into consideration that ozone oxidizes other chemicals, for example, bromine or halocarbons that are widely used by manufacturers and farmers (Pohl 112). To a large extent, this process can be explained by human activities, especially their use of technologies. Certainly, there are some natural causes of ozone depletion such as the eruption of volcanoes or ocean spray (Pohl 112). However, the role is less significant in comparison with human activities. This is the main argument that should be put forward. So, this issue can be addressed by raising the standards for environmental performance and making sure that every country complies with these standards.
Ozone holes and their effect on environment
Overall, researchers have identified several harmful effects of ozone holes. In particular, this phenomenon increases the exposure of environment to ultraviolet radiation. First of all, this exposure is associated with higher rates of cataracts and skin cancer among many people (Becket and Gallagher 197). One should take into account that researchers cannot fully demonstrate the link between UV exposure and skin cancer, but they believe that this is one of the factors that contributes to the higher incidence of this disease (Becket and Gallagher 197). This is why the depletion of the ozone layer is of great concern to many medical workers. Additionally, the increased ultraviolet radiation damages algae and destroys marine food chains (Becket and Gallagher 197). Therefore, this phenomenon can produce adverse effects on many species. Apart from that, it can affect many plants and deprive many animals of food (Becket and Gallagher 197). Furthermore, the productivity of farming can significantly decrease in the long term. These examples indicate that the destruction of the ozone layer can eventually impact the economy of many countries. So, these are the consequences of ozone depletion and they are harmful for both humans and non-humans. Provided that, the number of ozone holes will increase, these effects can be much greater.
Ways of minimizing ozone depletion
Currently, scientists offer different ways for decreasing ozone holes. To a great extent, the solutions that they propose require the changes in existing legislation. One of the strategies is to change the standards for the use of chemicals in the process of production. For instance, according to the Montreal Protocol, countries are obliged to remove substances that lead to the destruction of ozone (Pohl 112). In particular, one can speak about chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (Pohl 112). For instance, these new requirements have led to changes in the production of aerosol sprays, refrigerators, or fire extinguishers (Hyman 134). Researchers also believe that it is necessary to reduce the production of bromine which is often used for agricultural purposes (Hyman 134). Apart from that, international organizations focus on the pollution caused by ships because marine industry can also contribute to the existence of ozone holes (Hyman 134). For instance, ships should have a list of technologies that are based on the ozone-depleting substances and minimize their use (Hyman 134).
These are the strategies that can be adopted in order to decrease ozone holes. These policies have already proved to be successful since after the adoption of the Montreal Protocol, ozone holes began to decrease (Hyman 134). Overall, it is possible to argue that this problem can be effectively addressed only if the scientists and political leaders of different countries join their efforts. The task of these professionals is to develop laws that can reduce the emission of ozone-depleting substances without harming the economy of many countries. For instance, they should bear in mind that these new requirements must not have a devastating effect on businesses that will have to change production processes. These are the needs that they should reconcile. Secondly, policy-makers should bear in mind that by adopting different chemical substances for production process, they can also pose a threat to the environment. For example, the extensive use of hydrofluorocarbons, which is advocated by policy-makers, intensifies the green-house effect (Hyman 134). So, the task of these professionals is very complex because they should consider different environmental, technological and economic factors.
Conclusion
On the whole, this existence of ozone holes can be largely explained by human activities, especially the extensive use of different substances that are emitted into the atmosphere. One can also argue that this process can have destructive effects on human health and environment. Provided that no action is taken, the depletion of ozone may have significant impacts on many plants and species. This is why this issue should not be overlooked. Finally, this problem cannot be properly resolved without international cooperation of different environmental agencies as well as governments. Their task is to develop laws regarding the use of chemical substances and enforce them properly. Only in this way, this problem can be effectively resolved.
Works Cited
Becket, Benjamin, and R. Gallagher. Biology: For Higher Tier, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. Print.
Hyman, David. Public Finance: A Contemporary Application of Theory to Policy, New-York: Cengage Learning, 2007. Print.
Pohl, Raimund. Excel Senior High School Earth and Environmental Science, London: Pascal Press, 2004. Print.
Tobin, Allan. Asking About Life With Infotrac: Exploring the Earth, New York: Cengage Learning, 2005. Print.