The Ozone Layer
Gianni Perez
The ozone layer is one of the biggest problems within the disaster of pollution. However, the general public knows little about the subject. What is the ozone layer, and what is happening with it? This is the ozone layer, explained.
The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of numerous layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. The stratosphere is where the ozone layer is located. The ozone layer is a blanket of protection around the Earth. The ozone layer absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet light, which can be harmful to living things. These powerful rays can cause various skin issues, with the most severe being skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays can even damage cellular DNA. The ozone layer manages to keep these harmful rays under control. However, as of recently, the ozone layer is having a tough time doing its job.
Due to pollution, the ozone layer is getting thinner. Gases that are particularly harmful to the ozone layer are called chlorofluorocarbons. As a result of these gases, the ozone layer cannot absorb ultraviolet light as well. Clearly, a thin ozone layer is not good. Extremely thin spots of the ozone layer are referred to as “ozone holes,” or "ozone depletion areas".
The ozone hole in Antarctica is the largest gap in the ozone layer. It has gotten larger. As of right now, it is the size of North America. The ozone layer grew due to colder than usual stratospheric temperatures and conditions from global warming.
This is a problem for obvious reasons. The hole is continuing to grow, but hope isn’t lost. The ozone layer can close; it just needs assistance. In the ‘80s, the ozone layer was a significant problem. To combat this, several countries joined together and vowed to limit use of chlorofluorocarbons. It worked! Ozone holes shrank, and for some time, the layer was healing. However, due to the worsening of global warming and colder temperatures, the ozone layer is suffering again.
Hopefully, the world will take the growth of the Antarctica ozone hole as a wake-up call. The Earth is fragile, and we must do everything we can to protect it. There are ways even you can help the ozone layer. Click on the following link to find out how you can help: 5 Ways to Protect the Ozone Layer.
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