Over the past decades, scientists have begun to study the atmosphere and the ozone layer. They have noticed a marked reduction in the amount of ozone that is protecting the earth from the sun's harmful UV rays. Before, the am... ... middle of paper ... ...required transit use). As a reward however, there could be a minor tax refund, or free mass transit pass (for fares) given to those which use the transit system more than the amount of times required by the city ordinance. In conclusion, ozone is a very necessary and beneficial component of our atmosphere, which servers to block the harmful UV radiation generated by the sun.
But we are depleting the amount of it that we still have with chlorofluorocarbons and other harmful gases. It blocks harmful UV radiation in the atmosphere from reaching the surface and keeps us safe from the effects of radiation exposure such as skin cancer, cataracts, sun burnt eyes, and possibly the lowering of our immune system, but it also contributes to the greenhouse gas effect and affects health if it sinks down too low to the surface. (Kimbrough 8) Having ozone is like playing with fire, we need it so badly to protect us from UV rays but it can cause damaging effects such as lowering our life expectancy if we breath is directly. In the 1920’s, chlorofluorocarbons started to be used in refrigeration. Unfortunately this was the beginning of a large problem in the atmosphere.
Global Warming and Ozone Depletion Global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide , chlorofluorocarbons and other pollutants. One of the biggest issues that is currently taking place in global warming is depletion of the ozone layer and human activities are part of the blame. The ozone layer is a layer in the earth stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone which is meant to absorb most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun that is reaching the earth. The effects of global warming can bring about both ecological and social changes that are caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are gases that contribute to absorbing infrared radiation, carbon dioxide, and chlorofluorocarbon.
With less ozone in the atmosphere, more ultraviolet radiation strikes Earth, causing more skin cancer, eye damage, and possible harm to crops. The main causes of ozone depletion are chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), such as coolants, aerosols, and fire extinguishers. When CFC’s are released, they rise into the ozone layer. The UV (ultraviolet) radiation then releases chlorine from the CFC’s. Chlorine is a chemical that disintegrates the ozone.
The Ozone layer is depleting due to man made chemicals we use everyday; this depletion causes an increase in the risk of someone developing skin cancer, and is potentially life-threatening. The ozone layer is a gas that protects the earth from the dangerous UV rays emitted from the sun. (Freedman, page 2934) Due to man made chemicals, the ozone layer is depleting which causes many problems for sustainable life on earth. The rays entering the earth’s stratosphere without the ozone layer will cause damage to many things, such as someone’s eyes or immune system, aquatic life, or plants. Another one of the consequences of ozone layer depletion is that it will cause an increase in the risk of developing skin cancer.
Ozone Layer Depletion In the 21st century, some major issues have emerged along with the advancement of science and technology, ozone layer depletion is one of them. Ozone layer depletion has become a worldwide concern due to the rapid deterioration of the volume of the ozone layer, also for the increasing threat to all living organism and their functions. Increasing uses of CFCs and halocarbons have led to an emergence of various health issues and environmental problems which are in some cases fatal. Our planet earth is surrounded by a blanket of gases called atmosphere that sticks to the ground due to gravity. It is made of various gases, among them ozone is a vital one.
Humans are the ones who are causing the most damage to the earths environment, that movements are being made to put the mistake that humans are making to cause climate change (global warming) into perspective of how harmful the things humans do in their every day lives can and will effect the environment, this is so we can help to improve those affects. Rise of gasoline and oil prices have always been a big issue ever since the need for fossil fuels rose throughout the years, especially when the distribution and demand was increased for these fossil fuels. Fossil fuels in general (gasoline) are hurting the environment tremendously. The leading consumer of fossil fuels is the United States. When fossil fuels are burned it is one of the biggest causes to global warming and climate change.
Environmental Pollution Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause detrimental alterations to the planet. Pollutants are the key elements or components of pollution which are generally waste materials of different forms. Pollutants can take the form of chemical substances or even energy such as noise, heat or light. Pollution disturbs our ecosystem and the balance in the environment. With modernization and development in our lives pollution has reached its peak; giving rise to global warming and human illness.
If enough of these man - made chemicals are released, " the ozone layer would be weakened to such an extent that it does not filter out the sun's invisible and dangerous ultraviolet rays " ( Jones, 1992, p.36 ). Such a scenario would drastically alter society and the environment. Ozone depletion has been described as " potential catastrophe " and " a planetary time - bomb " ( Way, 1988, p.9 ). The four main areas affected by a depleted ozone layer and thus by the corresponding increase in harmful ultraviolet radiation are agriculture, wildlife, the environment, and human health. A depleted ozone layer has a profoundly negative and potentially devastating effect on humanity and its surroundings.
Even if the reason of climate change may be the natural cycles, we humans are the major determinant to it. The huge amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is causing the climate change and this amount is rising day by day, as a result of our actions. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, generally absorb and emit the heat in the atmosphere to keep the Earth’s climate habitable. However, as we continue to burn fossil fuels, this habitable Earth’s temperature will blow up, and as a result, some species will die out due to various problems which are caused by climate change. According to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the most obvious consequence of climate change is the rising sea levels, which will cause some seashore habitats to become unavailable to live to its species.