35 years ago, every nation in the world made a commitment to stop using substances that harm the ozone layer. The results have been astounding.
The ozone layer is a layer of gas that surrounds the Earth and protects it from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is located in the stratosphere, about 15 to 30 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. In the 1970s and 1980s, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was being depleted, mainly due to the use of certain chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons in products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosol sprays, etc.
The depletion of the ozone layer was causing an increase in UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, which was linked to a rise in diseases, as well as damage to crops and marine life. In 1987, the United Nations established the Montreal Protocol, which banned the production and use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
Since the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer has been healing. The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica, which had grown to its largest size in the late 1990s, has been steadily shrinking. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the hole in the ozone layer is expected to fully heal by 2066. However, the healing process is slow, and the ozone layer is not yet fully repaired.
While the healing of the ozone layer is a positive development, it’s essential to continue efforts to protect it. Climate change also impacts the ozone layer, as warmer temperatures can slow down the healing process. As responsible citizens and as our duty, we need to do what we can, as a little goes a long way.
Here’s what you can do:
- Plant trees and support reforestation projects to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Reduce energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and using natural light whenever possible.
- Use public transportation, carpool, or bike to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Think of environmentally friendly gifts for upcoming occasions and festivals. For instance, gifting a tree. While you can’t physically gift a tree, Grow-Trees.com simplifies the process with their online tree plantation program. Now, you can honour your guests with trees, welcome employees with trees, or celebrate birthdays, weddings, engagements, or even plant a tree in memory of a loved one.
Plant A Tree With Grow-Trees.com:
While we hope for the best and let the experts take the wheel, here’s what we can do on an individual level to fight against ground-level ozone contamination: Plant trees! Trees absorb and store nitrous oxides (NOx), thereby eliminating the health risks associated with this gas, which prominently affect children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma. Consider doing a good deed by simply clicking on the button below to plant a tree with Grow-Trees.com. Get started TODAY!
Source: The UN