The european environment and health committee identified the need to assess these topics in 1997, as part of the leadup to the third ministerial conference on envi. Regulation ec no 10052009 of the european parliament. It is revealed that introduction of chloroflourocarbons cfcs in the environment is the most rated cause of said depiction. The ozone layer is a key component to all life on earth. Ozone layer agreed 1989 ozone protection and synthetic greenhouse gas management act commenced in australia 1991 phase out of cfcs chlorofluorocarbons begins 1996 why is uvb radiation bad. Climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion whoeurope. After two more years of intensive negotiations, efforts to protect the ozone layer took an important step forward with the adoption of the montreal protocol on 16 september 1987. Undps work on ozone layer protection and programme impact. Stratospheric ozone depletion leads to an increase in uvb that reach the earths surface, where it can disrupt biological processes and damage a number of materials the fact that uvb can cause biological effects is well demonstrated by the familiar sunburn that follows overexposure to the sun. Deplete the ozone layer 1987, in its london 1990, vienna 1995 and montreal 1997. The ozone layer is up in the stratosphere protecting us from the harmful uv rays emitted by the sun. Progress report 2003 united nations environment programme, environmental e. An ozone molecule is made up of three oxygen atoms. Lang, is the ozone depletion regime a model for an emerging regime on global warming.
Pdf stratospheric ozone layer depletion has been recognized as a problem by the vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer and the 1987. But higher up, in the stratosphere, good ozone protects life on earth by absorbing some of the suns uv rays. These actions have in the long run probably saved millions of lives, not only because of the reduction of harmful uv rays due to thinning of the ozone layer. Ozone layer depletion cause, effects, and solutions. Additional research has shown that ozone depletion occurs over every continent. Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper atmosphere. Research into ozone depletion has therefore focused largely,though not. Stratospheric ozone depletion noaa earth system research.
This allows the entry of greater concentrations of uvb putting all life forms at risk. This happens when certain chemicals come into contact with ozone and destroy it. Aspirants should not confuse vienna convention for ozone protection with the following. Ozone depletion,on the other hand,is about how certain industrially produced chemicals containing chlorine or bromine are damaging the earths protective ozone layer, thus increasing the intensity of ultraviolet radiation at the earths surface figure 2b.
The montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer. Chemical compounds that cause ozone layer depletion are called ozone depleting substances odss. Protecting the ozone layer and reducing global warming undp. At the end of 20, 258 projects have been committed for an amount of 299m. Safeguarding earths protective ozone layer became a. This brochure presents the ozone layer depletion focal area. Cosmic ray theory for ozone hole effect of ozone layer depletion a. The montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, also known simply as the montreal protocol, is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. At the end of 20, 258 projects have been committed for an. Ozone protects living organisms by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation uvb from the sun. Halons and other ozonedepleting substances ods act similar ly. The ozone layer, situated in the stratosphere about 15 to 30 km above the earths surface. A reduction of n 2 o emissions would decrease the anthropogenic greenhouse effect and it would have a positive impact on the recovery of the ozone layer.
Revamping the industries producing the chlorofluorocarbons cfcs. Protecting the ozone layer and reducing global warming. Research into ozone depletion has therefore focused largely. Aware that measures taken to protect the ozone layer from depletion should be based on relevant scientific knowledge, taking into account technical and economic considerations, determined to protect the ozone layer by taking precautionary measures to control equitably total global emissions of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate. With the discovery of the ozone hole over antarctica in the mid 1980s, the world was alerted to the potentially disastrous consequences of continuing to allow the uncontrolled release of ozone depleting substances into the atmosphere. Protecting the ozone layer department of the environment. Ozone depletion consists of two related events observed since the late 1970s. Specific controls on the production of ozone depleting chemicals were first agreed through that conventions montreal protocol in.
High up in our atmosphere, it performs a vital role in protect ing humans and living things on earth from harmful uvb and uvc rays from the sun. Environmental protection act ozone layer protection regulations interpretation section 1 c t updated december 26, 2015 page 3 c environmental protection act chapter e9 ozone layer protection regulations pursuant to section 25 of the environmental protection act r. Vienna convention on the law of treaties 1969 it is a treaty of treaties that establishes comprehensive rules, procedures, and guidelines for how treaties are. Environmental protection act ozone layer protection regulations. The ozone layer is being destroyed by cfcs and other substances. According to the legal notice 114 of 2009 to the gazette, the schedule to the ozone layer protection ordinance cap. Project ozone layer depletion pdf the stratospheric ozone layer forms a thin shield in the upper atmosphere, protecting life on earth from. Protecting the ozone layer department of agriculture, water and. The ozone layer over the antarctic and arctic continue to experience much higher rate of ozone depletion in the spring. Ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning of the protective ozone layer in the atmosphere.
Although this hole is due to the natural fluctuations of ozone in the atmosphere, it also caused by human activities which emit gases that end up in. But through domestic and international action, the ozone layer is healing and should fully recover by about 2065. Stratospheric ozone depletion leads to an increase in uvb that reach the earths surface, where it can disrupt biological processes and damage a number of materials. Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure to high ultraviolet light, which then contributes to the ozone layer depletion. In response to growing concern, the montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was signed in 1987 and. This international treaty entered into force on 1 january 1989 and was ratified by 195 countries as at may 2009. Ozone depletion ozone layer protection ozone is a colorless gas made up of three oxygen atoms o 3 located 10 50km in the earths stratosphere. Shell, solo flights into the ozone hole reveal its causes, smithsonian, feb. Ozone layer protection environmental protection department. In the 1980s, scientists found evidence that the ozone layer was being depleted. Ozone depletion, depletion, gradual thinning of earths ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused by the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other human activities. A warming trend and stratospheric ozone depletion have been observed in europe over the last four decades. One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone.
Experts blame ozone layer depletion on manmade chemicals containing chlorine and bromine that are emitted from a. The ozone hole was fi rst observed over the antarctic area in the early 1980s. The vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer was agreed in 1985, by governments determined to protect human health and the environment against adverse effects resulting from the depletion of the earths protective ozone layer. August 2010 fact sheet on depletion of the ozone layer and consequent increase in uv radiation reaching the earths surface, with information on the sunwise program and what citizens can do. In addition, the ozone layer is being continually monitored and assessed at the global level.
The gefs goal in the ozone layer depletion focal area is to protect human health and the environment by assisting countries to phase out. An easy way to remember this is the phrase good up high, bad nearby. The ozone layer is a layer in earths atmosphere which. The effort to protect the earths ozone layer has been the first occasion where humanity has come together to tackle a serious global environmental threat. The stratospheric ozone layer forms a thin shield in the upper atmosphere, protecting life on earth from the suns ultraviolet uv rays. Montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. We care about ozone depletion because a thinner ozone layer allows more uv radiation to reach the. The causes, mechanism and bioeffects of ozone layer. With so much worry about the rapid ozone depletion taking place in various parts of the earth, indian scientists are closely monitoring the ozone layer over india for possible depletion trends. Singapore shares worldwide concern in reducing consumption of ozone depleting substances ods and help preserve the stratospheric ozone layer for a safe and healthy environment. High ozone exposure reduces crop yields and forest growth. The atomic oxygen then associates itself with another o 2 molecule to form ozone. Without the ozone layer, detrimental effects can range from premature aging in the skin to multiple types of skin cancer.
Regulation ec no 10052009 of the european parliament and. This website addresses stratospheric ozone issues, including the science of ozone depletion, epas regulatory approach to protecting the ozone. To the point where a seasonal hole in the ozone layer began to appear above the antarctic. Vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer, march 22, 1985. Once the ozone hole was discovered in antarctica in 1985 and the evidence of actual ozone layer depletion was confirmed, it became a serious concern. Aware that meaeures taken to protect the ozone layer from depletion ahould be baaed on relevant ecientific knowledge, taking into account teclmical and economic conaiderationa, deterained to protect the ozone layer by taking precautionary aea1ure1 to. Depletion of the ozone layer results in increased uv radiation reaching the earths surface, which in turn leads to a greater. Second, the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and most notably the antarctic ozone hole has a signi. In the layer near the earths surfacethe troposphere groundlevel or bad ozone is an air pollutant that is a key ingredient of urban smog. The stratospheric ozone layer is earths sunscreen protecting living things from too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Phase out of hcfcs hydrochlorofluorocarbons begins ozone is a naturally occurring molecule. In 1977 the united nations environment programme unep concluded a world plan of action on the ozone layer, which called for intensive international research and monitoring of the ozone layer, and in 1981, uneps governing council authorized unep to draft a global framework convention on stratospheric ozone protection.
Within the stratosphere, the ozone layer is the portion that contains the highest. As our scientific knowledge about ozone depletion grew, so too did the response to the issue. This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the atmosphere come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone molecules. Convention means the vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer, adopted on 22 march 1985. Evolution of policy responses to stratospheric ozone depletion.
The ozone layer acts as a natural filter, absorbing most of the suns burning ultraviolet uv rays. Examples of odss are chlorofluorocarbons cfcs, hydrochlorofluorocarbons hcfcs, carbon. There are dozens of organizations or projects around the globe which monitor the ozone layer on a regular basis. To signify our commitment to reduce consumption of ods and protect the ozone layer, singapore became a party to the montreal protocol on 5 january 1989. Global warming and the depletion of the ozone o3 layer. The emission of ozone depleting substances has been damaging the ozone layer.
The vienna convention was a framework agreement that supported research, exchange of information, and future protocols. Feb 12, 2021 ozone depletion, gradual thinning of earths ozone layer caused by the release of chemical compounds containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industry and other human activities. Protection against depletion of stratospheric ozone by chlorofluorocarbons. Experts blame ozone layer depletion on manmade chem icals containing chlorine and bromine that are emitted from a number of products. This study was conducted at university of gujrat during 20142015 as a term paper for master of philosophy. Ozone layer and climate protection, cameron may ltd. The ozone layer is a natural layer of gas in the upper atmosphere that protects humans and other. Ozone in the stratospherea layer of the atmosphere between 15 and 50 kilometers 10 and 31 miles above usacts as a shield to protect earths surface from the suns harmful ultraviolet radiation. Pdf biology investigatory project project on ozone. The objective of the montreal protocol is the protection of the ozone layer through control of the global production and consumption of odss.
In this project, i will be discussing ozone depletion. The parties that agreed the convention were aware that measures to protect the ozone layer from. Depletion of the ozone layer results in increased uv radiation reaching the earths surface, which in turn leads to a greater chance of overexposure to uv radiation and the related health effects of skin cancer. Protecting the ozone layer environment protection authority.
Protection against depletion of stratospheric ozone by. Without ozone, the suns intense uv radiation would sterilize the earths surface. The ozone layer protects the earth against excessive ultraviolet radiation, which could cause damage and mutations in human, plant, and animal cells. The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured. Effective implementation of montreal protocol concluded in 1987 for protection of the ozone layer. Controlling ozone depleting substances s are there controls on the production 15 of ozone depleting substances.
Signed 26 august 1987, it was made pursuant to the 1985 vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer, which. Unepwmo scientific assessments of ozone depletion vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer 1985 montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer 1987 montreal protocol amendments wmo atmospheric ozone 1985 wmo world plan of action on the ozone layer 1977 international scientific assessments montreal. This website addresses stratospheric ozone issues, including the science of ozone depletion, epas regulatory approach to protecting the ozone layer, epa. Antarctic ozone depletion is seasonal, occurring primarily in late winter and spring august. The scientists found that the chlorofluorocarbon gases cfcs, which were widely used and viewed as posing no harm, could migrate to the stratosphere, remain intact for decades to centuries, and by releasing chlorine, break down the ozone layer. The thinning is most pronounced in the polar regions, especially over antarctica. The vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer is a multilateral environmental agreement signed in 1985 that provided frameworks for international reductions in the production of chlorofluorocarbons due to their contribution to the destruction of the ozone layer, resulting in an increased threat of skin cancer. The ozone hole was much more seen as a hot issue and imminent risk compared to global climate change, as lay people feared a depletion of the ozone layer ozone shield risked increasing severe consequences such as skin cancer, cataracts, damage to plants, and reduction of plankton populations in the oceans photic zone. Use of ecofriendly chemicals in the refrigeration and airconditioning industry. Ozone depletion progressing globally except in the tropical zone. Scientists discovered in the mid1970s that certain manmade chemicals could destroy ozone and deplete the ozone layer. Ozone depletion is allowing the uv radiation to earth surface.
Reducing the use of ozone depletion substances ods. The montreal protocol on the protection of the global ozone layer is a somewhat unique example of how the world can respond when faced with a serious. Us epa, oar, stratospheric protection division subject. The causes, mechanism and bioeffects of ozone layer depletion on humans were addressed. What is being done to protect us from the depletion of the ozone layer.
There are dozens of organizations or projects around the globe which monitor the ozone layer on. The ozone layer is a layer of gas about 15 km above the earths surface. Ozone layer protection act faolex database food and. It protects us from harmful uv rays that can have serious effects on animals, biodiversity and peoples health, including skin cancer and eye cataract. Ozone depletion ozone layer protection ozone is a colorless. Comparative public policy of ozone layer protection sage journals. In 1987, leaders from many countries came together to sign a landmark environmental treaty, the montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects on human. The world health organization was established in 1948 as a. It is formed when ultra violet radiation strikes an oxygen molecule o 2 and splits it.
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