“Humankind has suddenly entered into a brand-new relationship with our planet. unless we quickly and profoundly change the course of our civilisation, we face an immediate and grave danger of destroying the worldwide ecological system that sustains life as we know” - Al Gore
It is universally accepted that ozone layer in the stratosphere layer protects us from harmful UV radiation from sun. The depletion of this layer ozone(O3) by human activities may have serious implications and this has become a subject of much concern over the last few years. On other hand, ozone is also formed in the atmosphere through chemical pollutants (SO2, NO2 aldehydes) on absorption of UV-radiations. The atmospheric ozone is being regarded as potential danger to human health and crop growth. A few years back, NASA atmosphere scientists reported that Antarctica ozone hole had been the biggest ever in 2006. The size and thickness of the ozone hole vary year to year, becoming larger when temperatures are lower. The cause of the ozone hole is a chemically called chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), used mainly in aerosol propellants, refrigeration, air-conditioning, plastic foams and solvents from cleaning electrical components. The chlorine in CFC found, deplete the ozone layer. The main potential consequences of this ozone depletion are increase in UV-B radiation at ground level: a one percent loss of ozone leads to a two percent increase in UV radiation. When O3 layer becomes thinner or has holes, it causes cancers especially relating to skin like melanoma and continuous exposure to UV radiation affects humans, animals and plants, and depression of the immune system, and corneal cataracts (A disease that often leads to blindness) and may also lead to massive die-off of phytoplankton (Carbon sink) and therefore to increased global warming.
International efforts to attempt to limit the production and release of CFCs in ozone destruction was established.
1. The Vienna conference in 1985 was the first international conference on ozone layer depletion.
2. The Montreal protocol – It is an international treaty to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone depleting substances across the world.it is believed that if agreement is adhered to, the ozone layer will recover by the year 2050.
3. India has Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules since 2000. India has met the following compliance of Montreal protocol:
a) Freeze of CFCs production and consumption in July,1999
b) Freeze of Halon production and consumption on 1.1.2002
c) Total phase out of halon production and consumption in 2003(except for e.g. in the metered dose inhalers commonly used to treat asthma and others respiratory problems)
d) Use of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in place of CFCs.
The theme for this year’s World Ozone Day on 16th September 2021 is “Montreal Protocol – Keeping us, our food and vaccines cool”. This year’s World Ozone Day seeks to highlight the importance of Montreal Protocol - such as slowing climate change and helping to boost energy efficiency in the cooling sector, which contributes to food security. The protocol has been universally ratified by all 197 member countries of United Nations.
Keeping in mind that the ozone is our warrior against the mighty sun that is bombarding earth with harmful UV radiation and we will try our best to protect it. In our society, no such effect has been made so far to monitor ozone concentration. We can contribute different scenario to protect the ozone layer and our precious earth through by - using eco-friendly household cleaning products, limiting our uses like coolant in air conditioners and refrigerators, cleaning solvent, motor- vehicles, banning the use of dangerous nitrous oxide, nitrogen fertilizers and other industrial activities which are responsible for emissions of CFCs emissions from automobiles are likely to increase in coming years due to increased dependence on coal and oil for several uses. As burning of this fuel causes emissions of NOx and hydrocarbons necessary for oxidant formation. On the other hand, the same pollutant is instrumental in ozone depletion. In both instances, human effects are noticed on earth. Ozone pollution is likely to become a major global problem during the coming decades. The awareness among the stakeholders including industries and general public and governments throughout the states/world to play a vital role in phase – out of Ozone Depleting Substances and in dispelling the dangers posed by the global threat from ozone depletion in the stratosphere and ozone production near the earth’s surface.
Lastly, by changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. This change in consciousness and ‘oneness with nature’ has to be rethought now, at the cusp of our new climate and biodiversity action strategies. We cannot develop now to questions later.
“EARTH WITHOUT OZONE IS LIKE A HOUSE WITHOUT A ROOF.
SAVE OZONE LAYER “
Lower Tsiepfu Tsiepfhe Youth Organisation
(Lower A.G colony) Kohima, Nagaland