For years there has been talk of the ozone layerthe holes produced in it, causes and consequences.
But,What is the ozone layer punctually? What is its importance and function? How is your current state? Know all the details in the following article.
Technically, it is known as ozonosphere, and extends from 15 to 50 kilometers above the earth’s surface approximately, in the stratosphere. If we refer to the ozone layer and the definition according to the UN, it is a “fragile band of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful effects of sunlight, thus helping to preserve life on the planet.”
As its name indicates, it is the layer that contains 90% of the ozone present in the earth’s atmosphere. In recent years, many have wondered what the ozone layer is for. Well, life on the planet would not be possible without sunlight, but at the same time, the energy emanated by this star would be too harmful for it.
For this reason, The importance of this layer lies in the fact that it protects life on the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation, since it is capable of absorbing between 97 and 99% of low-frequency ultraviolet radiation..
Hole in the ozone layer
But, despite its importance, as always, man’s unconscious actions caused damage to the environment and to this important ozone layer.
First, it is necessary to clarify that “hole” refers to the area of the Earth’s atmosphere where abnormal depletions of the ozone layer occurobserved at the poles during the spring and with a recovery in the summer.
The use of some chemical products in a massive and prolonged way for many years caused serious damage to the sameendangering human existence itself, as well as that of other living beings.
How is this? Elements such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), present in many aerosols, insecticides, paints, deodorants, air conditioning systems, synthetic foams and refrigerators, for example, caused a hole in the ozone layer, thus leaving everyone exposed to the effects of Sun rays.
This causes skin lesions and diseases, such as cancer; and in the eyes, such as cataracts, at the same time that it affects the vegetation and ecosystems, affecting food chains.
In the late 1970s a group of scientists discovered the hole and from there the Nations have worked together to reduce the products that damaged the ozone layer to not only protect it from damage already caused but also prevent future breakage.
Within this framework, 28 countries signed the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was approved in March 1985. Under the Montreal Protocol to the Convention (1987), governments, scientists, and industry committed to work together to eliminate 99% of all ozone-depleting substances.
Thanks to these efforts, the layer is recovering and is expected to return to pre-1980 values by mid-century.
The work continues. In 2019, the Kigali Amendment in order to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and are harmful to the environment.
State of the ozone layer 2020
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) the ozone hole that opens annually over Antarctica reached its maximum peak in 2020 and was one of the largest in recent years. That same year, it peaked at around 24 million square kilometers in early October.
The hole was the result of a natural arctic polar vortex, that is, an area of low pressure and frigid air that borders the earth and that strengthens from cold temperatures. Although it is produced naturally, its size was larger than it should be and this was accentuated by contamination.
Nowadays, Research indicates that the hole in the ozone layer is shrinking today and was favoredwhat’s more, due to inactivity caused by the Covid pandemic.
The low industrial activity and therefore the lower emissions of polluting gases helped reduce damage to the ozone layer. For this reason, it was proven that reducing pollution would also help with this problem.
It is necessary that as a society we become aware of the importance of this layer and the environment. We must be responsible for our consumption and actions and take care of natural resources. The planet is unique and it must be guaranteed for future generations.
Sources: UN, United Nations, Ozone Day- UN