The ozone layer depletion is a global issue that should be a concern to everybody. The need for a global approach is undeniably necessary as, like other insults on our environment. The ozone layer depletion does not only affect one area or group of people, it impacts on all who share this earth. It is a global issue and a worldwide responsibility is to be undertaken so as to ensure the sustainability of human life both in the present and for future generations. Emissions of Chlorofluoro carbons from anywhere spread everywhere. No country can address the issue on its own. The thinning of the ozone layer can cause mass destruction around the world and will severely impact on human, animal and plant life. Reduced agricultural productivity, high risk of developing skin cancer and other health problems are huge risks that are present if the issue of ozone layer depletion is to continue. One study stated that “during the course of the 21st Century there were 150 million cases of skin cancer and three million deaths at an economic cost of $6 trillion” (Green to Gold, EPA, p. 53-54). This implausible statistic highlights the devastating impacts of a thinning ozone layer unless a global approach is taken. If only one country is to eliminate CFC’s, there will not much change in the sustainability of the ozone layer. The Montreal Treaty of 1987 was the first international treaty to be approved by all 197 member countries of the international community on the banning of CFCs. By working together towards improving the atmospheric health of the earth, there has been an impressive reduction of ozone depleted products been used around the world. Without this coordinated international action, the earth’s protective layer of ozone against UV light would have continued to deplete. Studies suggest that ozone loss in the tropical regions of the earth would have been catastrophic by 2050 and in mid – latitudes UV values of up to 30 could have occurred by 2065 (A value more than 10 is considered extreme). The Antarctic ozone hole would also become a permanent fixture if action was not taken. A bigger, deeper hole would ensue over Australia and spread to other parts of Southeast Asia and beyond.
Although the Montreal treaty phased out many of the harmful substances that caused the depletion of the ozone layer, a “rebound effect” has now threatened to accelerate the rate of global warming. The introduction of Hydrofluoro carbons (HFCs), which have been used in recent years as substitutes for CFCs, are also climatically very active and long-lived. HCF’s, although very effective in aerosols and propellants, are also potent greenhouse gases. For instance, HCF’s, used in automobile air conditioning units, is 1430 times more active than the "classic" greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). Countries such as China and India are investing a huge amount in HCF’s and some countries such as the USA, Mexico and Canada have signed an agreement to reduce the production of these substances. Although there have been alternatives to both CFC’s and HCF’s, there has been no real solution to create a substance that is effective for products whilst being environmentally friendly. However, by working together and participating in a global approach, we may succeed to eliminate environmental issues impacting the atmosphere. If the Montreal Treaty continues to be in effect, we are helping to preserve the earth for many future generations to come.
Although the Montreal treaty phased out many of the harmful substances that caused the depletion of the ozone layer, a “rebound effect” has now threatened to accelerate the rate of global warming. The introduction of Hydrofluoro carbons (HFCs), which have been used in recent years as substitutes for CFCs, are also climatically very active and long-lived. HCF’s, although very effective in aerosols and propellants, are also potent greenhouse gases. For instance, HCF’s, used in automobile air conditioning units, is 1430 times more active than the "classic" greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). Countries such as China and India are investing a huge amount in HCF’s and some countries such as the USA, Mexico and Canada have signed an agreement to reduce the production of these substances. Although there have been alternatives to both CFC’s and HCF’s, there has been no real solution to create a substance that is effective for products whilst being environmentally friendly. However, by working together and participating in a global approach, we may succeed to eliminate environmental issues impacting the atmosphere. If the Montreal Treaty continues to be in effect, we are helping to preserve the earth for many future generations to come.
*Total ozone levels measured on 10 April 2011. Based on satellite observations, the total ozone mapping spectrophotometer (TOMS) provides information on global and regional trends in ozone and other tropospheric aerosols.