Ozone Layer Depletion- Losing Earth’s Blanket

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“On this International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer, let us remember how much has already been accomplished and commit to do more to protect our atmosphere. By working together, we can build

a safer, healthier, more prosperous and resilient world for all people while protecting our planet, our only home.”

–Secretary General of the United Nations on the International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer 2016

In Chemistry we’re taught that ‘O’ refers to an oxygen atom existing independently; ‘O2’ refers to an oxygen molecule formed by the combination of two oxygen atoms and ‘O3’ is when three oxygen atoms combine together to form ozone. But there’s much more significance to this triatomic molecule than your text book can tell you.

Chemically, ozone is a very reactive substance which reacts readily with a great many substances, which is why it is harmful on the Earth’s surface. But existing 9.3-18.6 miles above the surface of the planet, it’s one of the reasons Earth is the only known planet where life exists. It shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiations emitted by the sun.

But today there is a widespread concern that the ozone layer is deteriorating due to the release of chemicals like Chloro Fluoro Carbons (CFCs), letting in extra UV radiations to reach the surface of the Earth, which is harmful in more than one way. Since the invention of CFCs over 60 years ago, they have been found to be used in numerous products around the world. Initially considered a miracle with no known side-effects, scientific evidence over the years has proved that it is a major contributing factor towards ozone depletion. One atom of chlorine can destroy more than 100,000 ozone molecules, so you can imagine just how harmful CFCs actually are.

Extra levels of UV rays can cause skin cancer, cataracts, reduce growth of phytoplanktons which in turn lowers the population levels of other animals and the list goes on. We all know about the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica- the total ozone losses of 60% to 70% reported each spring since 1985- but many of us assume it’s a myth. It’s all because we prefer to ignore such major issues rather than take responsibility for it.

September 16th was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This was decided in commemoration of the date on which nations signed the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. This year’s theme is “Ozone and Climate: Restored by a World United”. It recognizes global commitment and collective efforts to restore the ozone layer. It’s important that we as individuals acknowledge such issues and put in at least a small effort to curb them. We all want to live better, healthier and cleaner lives, which will only be possible if we start doing something about it now.