Essay on Ozone Layer Depletion

Category: Atmosphere, Chemistry, Nature

Last Updated: 21 Mar 2023

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Man has done many notable feats in the field of science and has touched high dimensions, then he has also become the biggest enemy of natural genres. Burning of various types of fossils substances produces carbon dioxide gas and the demonic smoke emanating from the industry is filled with carbon and CO₂ gas. As the percentage of CO₂ has been increased it causes a lot of damage to the ozone layer.

According to a study, the amount of ozone has decreased by 40 percent as compared to 1960. The ozone layer over the earth is being adversely affected due to gaseous chemical pollutants such as Chlorine and Bromine derived from chemicals such as chloro-fluoro carbon, halogen and methyl bromide used in the industry.

This layer is extremely important for life on Earth. The ozone layer is like an umbrella over the earth which prevents the harmful rays of the sun from reaching the earth, but now many secreted pollutants are piercing this layer, due to which the layer of ozone is getting depleted and it is impossible to stop the harmful rays of the sun from reaching the earth’s surface.

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Long and Short Essay on Ozone Layer Depletion in English

Here we have provided Essay on Ozone Layer Depletion in various word limits for the future requirement of the students and scholars. These essays are presented in simple language and written in such a way that the concept of the topic should be clear for all.

Through these Ozone Layer Depletion essay you will able to find the meaning, causes, disadvantage, and consequences of its depletion.

You can use following long and short essay on ozone layer depletion in your all kinds of assignments related to this topic.

It will also enhance your knowledge that can be used in various types of competitive tests as well as support in your debate and discussion in the class with your classmates and the teachers.

Ozone Layer Depletion Essay – 1 (200 Words)

Ozone is a gas made up of combining three atoms of Oxygen and is present in the stratosphere as a thin sheet around the earth’s atmosphere. It usually acts as a protective shield for the earth and the environment and protects it from the dangerous ultra-violet rays of the sun.

Life forms cannot survive without the ozone layer because the ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays that radiate from the sun. These rays can cause cancer, damage to crops and threat to marine organisms.

Chlorine and bromine molecules are responsible for the degradation of the ozone layer. When gases containing these molecules are released into the environment, they cause erosion of the ozone layer over time. The most common halogen gas that damages ozone is chloro-fluoro carbon, also known as CFC.

Talking about the efforts being made to save it, the first of all it is necessary that people are aware about the ozone layer and its protection. All people should be aware of the substances and their damage which cause damage to this layer. There are several easy methods that can protect the ozone layer such as using eco-friendly products, avoiding the use of aerosols and other CFC containing things, promoting plantation etc.

It is noteworthy that the ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet rays from about 97 to 99 percent. To promote its preservation, September 16^th is observed as Ozone Day according to Montreal Protocol.

Ozone Layer Depletion Essay – 2 (300 Words)

Introduction

The ozone molecule is temporary, it absorbs ultraviolet rays and then reverts to an oxygen molecule and a free oxygen atom, this free oxygen atom combines with another oxygen molecule to form an ozone molecule.

Who is Responsible for the Depletion of Ozone Layer?

Protecting the ozone layer present in the atmosphere is very important for human life. In the last few decades, studies related to the ozone layer have found that the ozone layer is slowly decaying.

Human activities and industries are mainly responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer, which exist in almost all major countries, including the US, China, India and Europe. Mainly the pollution caused by chemical pollutants released into air damage the ozone layer. The governments of many countries have banned the use of chemicals that damage the ozone layer, but it is not possible to stop their use completely.

Why the Ozone Layer is Important to us?

Although the ozone layer is a thin layer in the atmosphere, it is still of great importance to us, as it absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and does not allow it to reach the Earth’s surface. Ultraviolet radiation is very harmful not only for humans, but also for tree plants and animals, it can cause cancer and many dangerous diseases in the organisms.

When is Ozone Day Celebrated?

Seeing the importance of the ozone layer, the General Assembly of the United Nations has decided to celebrate the day of 16^th September as International Ozone Day.

Conclusion

In order to protect the ozone layer from harm, the people should be educated about it and they should be taught to keep an eye on the industries which are causing pollution. They should have a close concern on this issue and should make personal efforts to protect the environment. The 25th Ozone Day will be held on 16^th September 2019.

Ozone Layer Depletion Essay – 3 (400 Words)

Introduction

Earth’s atmosphere has the characteristic that it is found in different layers, a layer of ozone gas is found at an altitude of 20 to 30 kilometers from the surface of the earth, it is named the ozone layer. Despite the layer being very thin, it is very important because it absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. If ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth, it damages all kinds of life forms. Ultraviolet radiation is very harmful not only for humans, but also for trees, plants and animals, it can cause cancer and many dangerous diseases in the organisms. That is why the ozone layer is very important for life on earth.

Who Invented the Ozone Layer?

The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Bussion. When these scientists looked at the spectrum of light coming from the Sun, they found that it had some dark areas. These areas of the spectrum are called the ultraviolet part. Scientists concluded from this that some element is absorbing the necessary ultraviolet rays, creating a black area in the spectrum and no radiation is visible in the ultraviolet portion.

The part of the spectrum of light that was not visible from the Sun was completely matched to the element called ozone, which scientists have found that ozone is the element in the Earth’s atmosphere that is absorbing ultraviolet rays.

What is Ozone Layer Depletion?

Many types of chemicals can damage the ozone layer, it can also dilute or completely destroy the ozone layer, and these are called free radical catalysts. The main catalysts include nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, hydroxyl chlorine, and bromine. Chlorine and bromine have been produced in large quantities by the industrial activities of humans. The huge damage in ozone layer has been done by chlorofluorocarbons and bromofluorocarbons, these chemical are capable of reaching the stratosphere in gaseous form.

After reaching the ozone layer, atoms of chlorine and bromine are separated from their compounds by the effect of ultraviolet rays, and become free radicals; one atom of chlorine and bromine can destroy one million atoms of ozone, nitrous oxide. Also, the main reason for the thinning of the ozone layer is that there is so much damage to the ozone layer at the southern and north pole of the Earth that there are holes in it. These are called ozone holes.

Conclusion

Ozone Layer Depletion Essay – 4 (500 Words)

Introduction

On 16^th December 1987, under the auspices of the United Nations, 33 countries signed an agreement, called the Montreal Protocol, in Montreal, Canada, to address concerns arising from the ozone hole. In this conference, it was decided to limit the production and use of chloro-fluoro carbon (CFC), the substance that destroys the ozone layer. India also signed this protocol. Its cause and solution is a very complex and serious matter. This topic remains an issue of debate and discussion among international scientists, policy makers and the international community. There is an on-going search on this subject.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is an atmospheric gas or a type of oxygen. Oxygen gas (O₂) is formed by joining two atoms of oxygen (O), which we use during respiration. A molecule of ozone (O₃) is formed by the joining of three oxygen atoms. Its color is light blue and it smells intense.

Ozone gases form a very thin and transparent layer in the stratosphere above. A total of 90 percent of all ozone circulating in the atmosphere is found in the stratosphere. The total percentage of ozone in the atmosphere is very low compared to other gases. Each million air molecules contain less than ten ozone molecules.

Some amount of ozone is also found in the lower atmosphere (troposphere). Even though chemically similar, the role of ozone in both places is important. In the stratosphere, it works to protect the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Ozone acts as harmful contaminants in the troposphere and sometimes produces photochemical splashes. This gas in the troposphere can damage human lungs, fibers and plants even in very small amounts. As a result of human-caused industrial pollution, the amount of ozone is increasing in the troposphere and in the stratosphere where it is needed; the amount of ozone is decreasing.

Importance of Ozone Layer

The ozone layer in the stratosphere acts as a protective shield for the entire planet. It blocks the harmful ultra-violet rays of the Sun in the upper atmosphere, does not allow them to reach the surface of the Earth. Ultraviolet radiation is extremely harmful to humans, animals and vegetation.

Side Effects of Ultraviolet Rays

There is a possibility of skin cancer due to ultraviolet rays.
Cataract arises in the eyes due to u-v rays and if not treated in time, a person may become blind.
Ultraviolet rays reduce the immunity of humans, due to which they can become the victim of many infectious diseases.
Ultraviolet rays affect the photosynthetic action of trees and plants.
The ultraviolet rays that are called UV-B rays enter the sea and damage marine life.
If a pregnant woman comes in contact with them, there may be a chance of damage to the fetus.

Efforts of Countries around the World

The 1985 “Vienna Convention” for the preservation of the ozone layer was held in the Austrian capital, a meaningful effort to control ozone depletion substances. To attract worldwide attention to the problem of ozone layer erosion, the United Nations decided to celebrate December 16 as “World Ozone Day”.

Conclusion

Ozone Layer acts as a protective layer shielding the surface or earth against harmful ultra-violet radiations from the Sun. Its depletion isn’t only a matter of concern for the environment but also for humans along with other living species. Exposure to UV radiations could cause several harmful diseases including skin cancer.

Ozone Layer Depletion Essay – 5 (600 Words)

Introduction

A molecule of ozone or O₃ is formed by joining three molecules of oxygen. Its color is light blue and gives a special kind of intense smell. At an altitude of about 50 kilometers from the surface, the atmosphere is composed of layers of oxygen, helium, ozone, and hydrogen gases, with the ozone layer acting as a protective shield for the Earth as this ozone layer is protected from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun on Earth. These ultraviolet rays coming from the sun are beyond the endurance of the cells of the human body. If the ozone layer around the Earth did not have this protective shield, then perhaps the Earth would have been lifeless like other planets.

Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion

Human actions are the main cause of the increased decay of the ozone layer. Human activities have increased the amount of gases in the atmosphere due to ignorance that are destroying the life-saving ozone layer on Earth. Scientists in an analysis involving the ozone layer have found that chloro-fluoro carbon is predominantly responsible for the dissolution in the ozone layer. Apart from this, chemical substances like halogen, methyl chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride are also capable of destroying ozone. These chemicals have been called “ozone depleting substances”. We mainly use them in our daily pleasure facilities like air conditioner, refrigerator, foam, paint, plastic etc.

Side Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion

Increasing decay of the ozone layer can cause many adverse effects. For example, harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun can enter the atmosphere on Earth, which are extremely hot and also harmful to tree, plants and animals. These rays in the human body can cause fatal diseases like skin cancer, respiratory disease, ulcers, and obesity. At the same time, these rays also affect the immunity of the human body. The number of patient suffering from skin cancer is projected to increase in the coming years due to the increasing decay of the ozone layer.

World’s Efforts to Protect the Ozone Layer

Keeping in view the increasing decay of the ozone layer, some countries have taken important steps in the last three decades. Inter-governmental negotiations for an international agreement to deal with ozone-depleting topics began in 1981. In March 1985, there was a world-class conference in Vienna to protect the ozone layer, in which issues such as inter-governmental cooperation on research related to ozone conservation, systematic monitoring of ozone layer, monitoring of CFC production and exchange of information were seriously negotiated.

In 1987, the United Nations signed an agreement called “Montreal Protocol” by 33 countries in the city of Montreal, Canada to address concerns arising from holes in the ozone layer. In this conference, it was decided to limit the production and use of ozone-depleting substances such as chloro-fluoro-carbon (CFC). India also signed this protocol.

In India, the work related to ozone depleting substances is mainly being carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. It is also supported by “Small Industries Development Organization”, Indore. Every year 16th September is celebrated as Ozone Day to create awareness about the facts related to the ozone layer on this day.

Conclusion

At present, the growing use of many types of chemical, indiscriminate cutting of trees; the decay of ozone layer is increasing due to all these. In such a situation, it is our responsibility to plant trees so that oxygen remains in the atmosphere at the most and it creates ozone molecules. At the same time, industry owners and management should also take care not to use substances and processes that adversely affect the ozone layer. Since we have only one Earth, so we have to stop messing with nature for the survival of animals on this earth, otherwise the day is not far when humans will also be extinct.