Create a new account

It's simple, and free.

Ozone Depletion

The Earth's upper atmosphere contains a layer of ozone. This layer acts to shield the surface from ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation can have a variety of adverse effects on living things. Thus, the discovery of diminishing levels of springtime ozone levels high above Antarctica in 1985 caused widespread concern. The cause of this ozone depletion was found to be worldwide industrial production of chloroflourocarbons (CFCs). In response to this environmental threat, the world's governments gathered to discuss possible solutions. The result was an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol. This agreement calls for gradual reductions in global CFC production. It also provides for periodic reevaluation of the problem based on new scientific evidence. Considering recent studies which indicate that ozone depletion is an ongoing environmental problem, perhaps more stringent controls on CFC production are necessary. Given the extent of the damage, however, even an immediate CFC phaseout might not be sufficient to restore the planet's protective shield.

The upper atmosphere's ozone layer extends from approximately 6 to 15 miles above the Earth's surface (Getis et al., 1988, p. 137). It forms a protective blanket which shields all life forms from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

UV radiation comes from the sun. In large quantities, it has considerable potential for causing damage to living organisms. For example, excessive UV radiation may disrupt photosynthesis, the process by which green plants use the sun's radiant energy to produce carbohydrates (U.S.I.M.O.S., 1975, p. 53). In fact, preliminary studies have shown that phytoplankton populations have dropped by up to 12 percent in areas subject to ozone depletion (i.e., Antarctica)(Cooper, 1992, p. 293).

UV radiation also causes health problems in animals and humans (Miller & Mintzer, 1986, p. 12). It is thought to contribute to the...

Page 1 of 12 Next >

More on Ozone Depletion...

Loading...
APA     MLA     Chicago
Ozone Depletion. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 16:03, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1713316.html