OZONE LAYER DEPLETION
“ A giant asteroid could hit the earth! Something else
could happen! The global temperature could rise!
Wakeup!”(edf. org)
Science is a body of knowledge containing various
streams such as physics, chemistry, biology etc. “ Its
sub-behavioral concept is Technology, which has made
tremendous changes in the modernized world. Climate is
a field of the science. Climate is a natural
consequence in which all the human beings
exist.”(Technology and Environment page 25). “ The
first thing people see, in the morning, when they walk
outside is the sky or the colored sun. Is this world
giving us the privilege of seeing the natural colors
of the sun through all the layers of pollution within
the air?”
A blanket of air, which we call the atmosphere,
surrounds the Earth. It reaches over 560 kilometers
(348 miles) from the surface of the Earth, so we are
only able to see what occurs fairly close to the
ground. Early attempts at studying the nature of the
atmosphere used clues from the weather, the beautiful
multi-colored sunsets and sunrises, and the twinkling
of stars. With the use of sensitive instruments from
space, we are able to get a better view of the
functioning of our atmosphere. “ The atmosphere, solar
energy, and our planet’s magnetic fields support life
on Earth. The atmosphere absorbs the energy from the
Sun, recycles water and other chemicals, and works
with the electrical and magnetic forces to provide a
moderate climate. The atmosphere also protects us from
high-energy radiation and the frigid vacuum of space.
The envelope of gas surrounding the Earth changes from
the ground up. Four distinct layers have been
identified using thermal characteristics (temperature
changes), chemical composition, movement, and density.
That comprises of Troposphere, Stratosphere,
Mesosphere and atmosphere. The atmosphere is
primarily composed of Nitrogen (N2, 78%), Oxygen (O2,
21%), and Argon (AR, 1%). Argon includes all the other
gases present in the atmosphere. A myriad of other very
influential components are also present which include
the water (H2O, 0 – 7%), “ greenhouse” gases or Ozone
(O; SUB3, 0 – 0. 01%), Carbon Dioxide (CO2, 0. 01-0. 1%),
The envelope of gas surrounding the Earth changes from
the ground up.”(Climate of Hope, p. p. 2563)
Now, the interesting fact is the information of a
layer of atmosphere, which surrounds our atmosphere.
“ Orbiting above the Earth, an astronaut can look down
on our home and see the thin blue ribbon that rims our
planet. That transparent blanket in our atmosphere
makes life possible.” Yes, It is the Ozone Layer. It
provides the air we breathe and regulates our global
temperature. And it contains a special ingredient
called ozone that filters the solar radiation. Life as
we know it is possible in part because of the
protection afforded by the ozone layer.. The term
itself comes from the Greek word meaning “ smell,” a
reference to ozone’s distinctively pungent odor. “ Each
molecule contains three oxygen atoms bonded together
in the shape of a wide triangle. In the stratosphere,
new ozone molecules are constantly created in chemical
reactions fueled by power from the sun. The recipe for
making ozone starts off with oxygen molecules. When
struck by the sun’s rays, the molecule split apart
into single oxygen atoms, which are exceedingly
reactive. Within a fraction of a second, the atoms
bond with nearby oxygen molecules to form triatomic
molecules of ozone”(Climate Change).
“ Ozone is an allotrope of Oxygen. Allotropes are two
or more forms of an element with different chemical
and physical properties. Molecules of diatomic oxygen,
the form of oxygen with which most the people are
familiar, contain two atoms each, as shown the formula
O2. In contrast, molecules of ozone contain three
atoms each and are represented by the formula
O3.”(Kelvin, page 46). Both oxygen produces ozone and
anthropogenic (human caused) sources. In the
troposphere the layer of atmosphere nearest to the
earth’s surface, ozone is generated in a complex
series of reactions associated with the combustion of
fossil fuels. “ Ozone is most commonly found in the air
above the urban areas where sunlight initiates these
reactions among the products released from automobile
and truck exhausts. Since troposphere ozone can cause
damage to the living organisms, especially plants, it
is regarded as pollutant. The solution is very
different in the stratosphere, the next higher layer
of the atmosphere. Thee ozone is produced by natural
processes. And had a beneficial function for the
terrestrial organisms” (M. Minaret’s, ). In the
stratosphere, radiant energy from the sun can cause an
oxygen molecule to break apart into two oxygen atoms:
O2 = O + O.
Each oxygen atom can then react with other oxygen
molecules to form ozone.
O + O2 = O3
The stratospheric concentration of ozone therefore
represents a balance, established over the aeons,
before creative and destructive forces.” The total
level of ozone in the stratosphere remains fairly
constant, an arrangement resembling a tank with open
drains.) For about a billion years, the natural ozone
system worked smoothly, but now human beings have
upset the delicate balance. By polluting the
atmosphere with additional chlorine-containing
chemicals, we have enhanced the forces that destroy
ozone — a situation that leads to lower ozone
concentrations in the stratosphere. “ The addition of
these chemicals is the same as drilling a larger
“ chlorine” drain in the tank, causing the level to
drop. “(Flavin, Introduction)
Stratospheric ozone is primarily created by
ultraviolet (ULTRA VIOLET) radiation. The Sun’s output
affects the rate at which it is produced. The Sun’s
energy release in the ULTRA VIOLET part of the
spectrum does vary, especially over the well-known
11-year sunspot cycle. Observations over several solar
cycles since the 1950s show that total global ozone
levels decrease by 1 to 2% from the maximum to the
minimum of a typical solar cycle. Even as the sun’s
energy produces new ozone, natural compounds
containing nitrogen, hydrogen, and chlorine
continuously destroy these gas molecules. Such
chemicals were all present in the stratosphere — in
small amounts– long before humans began polluting the
air. Nitrogen comes from soils and oceans, hydrogen
comes mainly from atmospheric water vapor, and
chlorine comes from the oceans. “ By the middle of the
twenty first century, there is evidence that the Earth
will be warmer than it has been at any time in human
history, and quite possibly since the end of the
dinosaurs, some 65 billion years ago. If we stay at
the rate we our now (fossil fuel consumption / growth
in population) then within the next two century the
Earth’s air might not be fit to breath.” “ The term
greenhouse effect is used to describe the increased
warming of the Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere
due to increased levels of carbon dioxide and other
atmospheric gases that absorb radiated energy in the
atmosphere and then reradiate it back to the surface.
The recently -observed long-term changes in ozone are
much greater than this. They cannot be attributed to
changes in solar activity. “(Cogan, p. p. 2432).
Here comes about the major scientific problem
occurring in today’s climate causing warming of earth
and leading world atmosphere to dangerous
consequences. Yes, it is the hole in the ozone layer
known as the “ Ozone Layer Depletion”. Gradually, it
has become clear to scientists and to governments
alike that human activities are threatening our ozone
shield. Behind these environmental problem lies a tale
of twin challenges: the scientific quest to understand
our ozone shield and the debate among governments over
how to best protect it. Ozone layer Depletion is now a
days a very major scientific problem. A totally
depleted ozone layer would render the earth’s surface
inhabitable. “ In the U. S. by the next century if the
matter of ozone was not looked into
“(globalwarming. org). “ We wouldn’t be able to go
outside without wearing hats at that time, and we
wouldn’t be able to build things out of plastic and
rubber that would be exposed to the sunlight because
they would deteriorate much faster,” says Toyland,
environmental protection specialist working with the
united states environmental protection agency, while
speaking about the worst effects of the ozone layer
depletion”(Atmospheric Ozone-I). Looking at these and
many such effects one wonders as to what depletion
actually is? And what are the impossible solutions for
it? To understand it clearly, we should look in the
matter in four steps, What is causing the depletion of
the ozone layer? What are the effects of depletion of
ozone layer and what are possible solutions to the
problem? “ Damage to the ozone layer has dangerous
consequences for humans, because the ozone molecules
function As a shield from the sun’s radiation,
absorbing some of the harmful ultraviolet rays, before
it reaches the earth’s surface” (greenhouse. net).
“ Concerns about damage to the ozone layer go back to
the early 1970’s. A number of scientists were
concerned by two possible threats to the ozone layer:
rockets fired off by the U. S. National Aeronautics
and space Administration (NASA) and proposed
Supersonic (SST) aircraft. Calculation suggested those
chlorine atoms released by rockets and SST’s could
bring about the decomposition of ozone molecules with
a subsequent deterioration of the ozone layer. In
1974, however, an even more troubling threat to the
ozone layer was identified. “(Atmospheric Ozone -II).
“ Two American scientists Mario Moline and F. Sherwood
Rowland, hypothesized that a group of compounds known
ass chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) could release chlorine
in the stratosphere and damage the ozone
layer”(American Geophysical Union, Journal). CFC’s are
simply organic compounds made up of chlorine, carbon
and fluorine. “ The fact that (CFC’s don’t break down
is a benefit for there many applications but a curse
for the stratospheric ozone. They have become very
popular as a propellant in Aerosol sprays such as
deodorants, hair sprays, spray paints, pesticides and
similar materials (P4). Because CFC’s are not
dissolved by rain, over the years they rise, over the
years they rise to the ozone layer in the
stratosphere, about 10 to 20 miles (15 to 30
kilometers) above the earth’s surface.”(Atmospheric
Ozone-III) There, CFC’s can linger for 100 years,
while the sun’s harsh radiation breaks them down,
releasing atomic chlorine. One chlorine atom can
destroy more than 100, 000 ozone molecules
(Transportation, pp. 67-72). a group of scientists
including the Nobel prize winner Mario Moline, in the
late 70’s discovered another chemical that was
gobbling up the earth’s ozone. “ The chemical was known
as Methyl Bromide. Methyl Bromide was widely used as a
soil fumigant in growing certain fruits and
vegetables” (Earth Care Annual).
Ozone’s structure allows it to absorb a certain kind
of ultraviolet sunlight that would otherwise reach the
surface of the earth ad effect the living material
(Hazardous Air Pollutants, page35). Ozone’s absorption
of ultraviolet rays is critical for the well being of
mankind. “ ULTRA VIOLET radiation is typically broken
down into three parts: ULTRA VIOLET-a (320 to 400 NM),
ULTRA VIOLET-b (280 to 320 NM), and ULTRA VIOLET-c
(200 to 280 NM). ULTRA VIOLET-c is quickly absorbed by
small amounts of Ozone, (Earth care Annual, page
2637) Exposure to ULTRA VIOLET-b can cause damage to
DNA (which carries the genetic information in living
organisms). Changing regional climate could alter
forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could
also threaten human health, and harm birds, fish, and
many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand into
existing rangelands, and the character of some of our
National Parks may be permanently altered.
Unfortunately, many of the potentially most important
impacts depend upon whether rainfall increases or
decreases, which can not be reliably projected for
specific areas.”(Hazardous Air Pollutants, page
53129).
Scientists have been seriously considered this
problem and have been working towards the solution of
this problem. There have a few good proceedings, but
there is no perfect solution for it as for now. “. One
of the most serious effects of global warming, as it
continues to intensify, is the increase in the ocean
levels. “ Thermal expansion of the ocean and glacial
melting are likely to cause a . 5 to 1. 5 meter rise in
the ocean level by the year 2100. As the ocean level
rises and if no protection is provided, many
freshwater supplies could be jeopardized. Tens and
possibly hundreds of millions of people will lose
their water supplies to salt water intrusion because
of sea level rise. The warming of ocean surface
waters could possibly create more powerful hurricanes,
cyclones, and windstorms. “(Benarde, page 59).
Global warming will also have a drastic effect on the
climate of the world in areas such as weather patterns
and water resource supplies. The Thinning off the
earth’s ozone layer has allowed greater amount of
skin-burning UV-radiation from the sun to reach the
earth. Increased exposure to UV has been shown to harm
human health, damage freshwater and marine ecosystems,
reduce crop yields, and affect forests. The most basic
impact for humans is the increase in skin cancers.
Over exposure to the sun’s UV rays can also cause eye
damage, including cataracts, and may even weaken the
immune system. It has impact on agriculture, including
many of the world” major food crops. It has been
observed that some crops, such as barley and oats,
have shown decreased growth as a result of exposure to
increased UV- radiation. In marine ecosystems, it can
damage the tiny single -celled plants, known as
phytoplankton, which form the base of the food chain.
Decreases in the food source at this early stage, may
have effects throughout the entire system, and could
ultimately affect fish populations. Increased UV
levels also reduce the lifetime of construction
materials used outdoors, particularly the plastics
that are prevalent in our homes, playgrounds, and
other structures. Forestry research found that trees,
which grow at higher elevations, are more resistant.
Global warming research is giving more indications,
although certainly not proof, that highly volatile
weather patterns are one of the consequences of rising
atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.
“ These altered weather patterns can have many effects
such as floods, droughts, and reduction in the amount
and quality of water resources. There is no
indication whether there is going to be an increase or
decrease in the total precipitation.”(Bigg, page 399).
Many areas will have a substantial amount of rainfall
causing severe flooding, while other areas will have
major droughts. “ However global warming will create a
decrease in the snow pack in many mountainous areas
because the high winter temperatures could cause more
precipitation to fall as rain than as snow. This
could create a run off that would fill downstream
reservoirs too early. Thus, during the spring when
the reservoirs are normally filled, they would not be
able too, because of the early snowmelt. As a result,
the reservoirs would have a reduced amount of storage
for the summer and fall.”(Hewitt, page 486). Some
other areas that are effected by the increase in
greenhouse gases are agriculture and ecosystems.
Lower water supplies and increased weather variability
may hurt the agriculture industry. On the other hand,
a longer growing season and increased growth that
would be stimulated by higher levels of carbon dioxide
may also help it. “ The increase in temperature and
dryness could also effect plant life and animal life.
Natural ecosystems are in delicate balance with their
environments and climates. The impacts of climate
change become more severe with increases in both the
magnitude and the rate of change.”(Russell,
p. p. 329538).
If the temperatures do rise as predicted several
things could happen. “ The increases of temperature
could alter the growth of crops in areas near the
equator due to insufficient rain and heat. This could
really hurt countries that rely on imported food.
With the high temperatures the polar ice caps could
melt and cause the sea water level to go up 1 to 3
feet. This increase could take out small islands,
coastal cities and some shallow rivers. The
Everglades in Florida would be almost if not totally
wiped right off the map. The Everglades is the home
for many animals and plant life. If it did get
flooded, they would all have to move northward across
very dry land which they will not be able to endure
for very long. When the hot temperatures do spread
southward and northward, tropical disease will spread
with it. Disease that were down in Mexico will maybe
occur in The Carolinas or eventually Vermont. These
new diseases will be hard to deal with causing many
more deaths and illnesses than before. The financial
problem with this is, that the flooding will cause
dams to be built and cities to be reconstructed. The
shortage of food will cause the price of the food to
go up and with all the diseases we will need more
medical supplies and workers. All of this combined
could and will cost a lot of money if we don’t do
something about it now. The computer models can’t
predict exactly what the climate is going to be in the
future, but they can come close to what it will be
like down the road. Scientists proved this by
predicting with computers what the climate was in the
past. “(enviroweb. org).
Looking at the units used to measure the ozone
concentration are the Dobsin Unit(DU)- the principle
unit for measuring ozone concentration. One DU is
about twenty- seven million molecules per square
centimeter( the palm of your hand covers an area of
roughly a hundred square centimeters). The ozone
concentration over the US is about 300 DU and the
antarctic hole during the late spring can drop to 117
DU. The another is Mixing ratios: within a specified
volume, it is a fraction of the number of molecules of
a particular gas divided by the total number of
molecules in that given space.
” The Cretaceous occurred over 100 million years ago.
It was the warmest period we have knowledge of yet.
There was so much carbon dioxide in the air that the
oceans rose many meters. North America was flooded
and split apart into two pieces. The temperature then
was more than fifteen degrees greater than the average
temperature today. “(gcrio. org). Scientists believe
that the tilt of the earth’s axis changes to tilt the
opposite way every 10, 000 years like a cycle. While
going through this cycle it will change the climate of
areas. Right now it is moving so that North America
is going to be close to the sun in the winter.
Seasons become more extreme when the opposite happens.
This controls the cycle of ice ages. “ Volcanoes when
they erupt, send clouds of dust into the air blocking
sunlight. This would cool the earth off more. Oceans
are known to absorb CO2 because of the ocean currents
and the action of plankton. There is some evidence
that there is naturally rapid climate change between
each Ice Age, which confuses the whole global warming
and idea. “(toowarm. com).
While it’s true that volcanoes and oceans release
large amounts of chlorine, the chlorine form these
sources dissolves in water so it washes out of the
lower atmosphere in rain. CFC’s do not dissolve in
water and are not broken down in the lower atmosphere.
Human-made molecules reach the stratosphere and then
release chlorine and bromine. Measurements show that
the increase in stratospheric chlorine since 1985
matches the amount of CFC’s and other ozone-depleting
substances released by human activities. The first
real evidence of ozone depletion was reported in 1985
by the British Antarctic Survey team, which had been
measuring the ozone layer over the South Pole for 18
years. Here, they found a dramatic thinning in the
ozone layer, which developed every year form September
to November. They determined that this “ hole” first
began forming in the mid 1970’s. Since then ozone
concentrations in this area have grown steadily
thinner, with depletions of up to 60 percent occurring
in recent years. While industrial chemicals are the
primary cause of ozone depletion, the extreme cold and
weather conditions of arctic winters contribute to its
depletion. As the temperatures drop., ice clouds form
in the upper atmosphere. These clouds provide a “ spot”
for a combination of chemicals and sunlight to react
with CFC’s, releasing the chlorine to attack ozone.
Thus ozone layer depletion is more severe near the
poles. Every human being should take part in the fight
to stop global warming. “ The government is the key
to this and they better do something soon or it will
be too late. First, the American government should
sponsor a meeting between the nations of this world.
They should establish a committee for handling the
money, politics, and scientific research in order to
help cut back the emission of gases into the
atmosphere. Every country will contribute by donating
money. Each country would be required to give 0. 01 of
their GNP to this committee. If they refuse they will
be boycotted and the participating countries will sell
nothing to them. “(Epa. gov/ozone).
Global warming is a big threat to our nation
and the world. If we do not act now, it may be too
late. “ The Sea levels could rise at 2 to 5 times the
rate of the past 100 years, endangering coastal areas
in the Americas and Europe, and devastating island
nations like Indonesia, where more than 45 million
people live at coastal elevations within a meter of
sea level. The Air pollution could get much worse. All
areas, not just major cities, could see an increase in
the pollutants that increase the frequency and
severity of asthma attacks, emphysema, bronchitis,
other lung diseases etc. These predictions come from
the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), a 2, 000-member body of international
climate scientists and experts that is recognized as
the authority on the science of global warming. The
other major effects severely caused by the ozone layer
depletion are spreading diseases and illness, crop
losses, coastal flooding and loss of drinking water
supplies, droughts etc. Of course, there is no sure
way of telling if there actually is a greenhouse
effect, but lets not take any chances. Look at what
is happening to this world, and you will see that
there is a pollution problem. “(Epa. gov/ozone).
Many people suggest that the uncertainties of global
warming provide an excuse to do nothing and wait for
more scientific research to be done. “ The main
solution is to slow down the change of the climate by
reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into
the atmosphere. “ Solar energy, wind, hydrogen gas,
biomass, and other renewable energy sources also need
to be used and deeply considered as solutions to slow
down global warming, and reduce carbon dioxide
emissions to the atmosphere. Deforestation must be
slowed and reforestation of previously forested land
that has become agriculturally useless has to be
promoted. That will require conservation incentive
schemes and improvement of farm yields to reduce the
pressure to clear new land. This will not be nearly
as expensive as coping with the costs of global
warming.”(Ewann, page 87183). Controlling
populations is also a necessity in order to control
the consumption of energy and fossil fuels, but you
could write a whole other paper on if they could
implement those laws and what human rights that
interferes with.
Over the last 100 years the global temperatures have
been increasing slowly but steadily. Since 1980 the
temperature has risen 0. 2 degrees C (0. 4 degrees F )
each decade. “ Scientists predict that if we continue
putting the same amount of gas into the atmosphere by
the year 2030 the temperature will be
rising as much as 0. 5 degrees C (0. 9 degrees F ) or
more per decade. Over all the global temperature
could rise
There are steps being taken at this moment to reduce
the gases put into the air but it still isn’t enough.
We need to cut back more by taking a few easy steps.
Plant a tree, or take a bus to work instead of driving
your own car. Those things may not seem like a lot,
but if more and more people do it, it will make a
difference.” Through the eyes of most scientists,
global warming is seen as a very serious and severe
threat.
Then what is the future of avoiding the problem. Will
the Ozone Layer Recover? Scientists feel the ozone
layer should recover, if ozone -depleting substances
are eliminated. Under the Montreal Protocol, an
international agreement to protect the ozone layer,
action has been taken to reduce ozone-depleting
substances. The build-up of the most significant CFC’s
in the lower atmosphere has slowed considerably, and
one of the key chemicals, CFC-11, is now decreasing.
Because of the time it takes for these chemicals to
move from ground level to the stratosphere, the impact
of the Montreal Protocol will now be felt for many
years. It is estimated that the ozone layer should
recover by about 2050- providing that all human -made
ozone depleting substances are eliminated. However,
long term predictions in the case of the ozone layer
depletion are uncertain because the processed of ozone
depletion are not all understood. As well, global
warming and the exhaust from high-flying aircraft may
significantly affect the recovery of the ozone layer.
Now, since it is a big problem that today’s world has
to face such harsh problems due to the ozone layer
depletion, there must be a definite way to control the
layer. Nobody is going in the sky and fix it up as
there is no such technique developed till now. But the
ways are to prevent it. Human consciousness performs
the major intervention in controlling of the ozone
layer depletion. There are many things which a human
being can do voluntarily for controlling the ozone
layer depletion.
One Such way is Car Air Conditioner Tips. People must
Go only to service facilities with EPA-certified
technicians and Ask if refrigerants from their vehicle
will be recovered and recycled during servicing . The
emphasis is on carrying out the Repair in all leaks in
the a/c system (not required by federal law, but
helpful in protecting the ozone layer). About 80
million cars on the road today use CFC refrigerants in
their air-conditioning (AC) systems. If leaky systems
were repaired, it would prevent the release of about
30 million pounds of CFCs this year. Also, it is
important to Ask about converting their cars to a
substitute refrigerant if the a/c system needs major
repair The used refrigerant can be recycled and
reused. Asking their local government or waste hauler
if the refrigerant will be removed before the
appliance is discarded. Concept of saving natural
resources should be developed. And each individual
should perform his goodwill duty towards the
environment on the way of controlling the pollution
and thereby saving himself and world from its adverse
effects.
Basically, the solutions are of three types,
technological approaches, political approaches, and
economic approaches. “ The technological suggestions
are as follows: One suggestion has been to release
simple hydrocarbons such as ethane or propane into the
atmosphere. These compounds are known to react with
the chlorine atoms from the CFCs that initiates ozone
depletion. Compounds like hydochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFCs) and hydrofulorocabons (HFCs) have been brought
into use. The advantage of HCFCs and HFCs is that they
tend to break down quickly in the atmosphere. Every
one agrees that the best way to deal with this problem
is prevention (political approach).”(Bernard, p. p.
329-453). In 1989 some governments agreed to
strengthen the Montreal Protocol. The most significant
decision by the industrialized nations was to phase
out methyl bromide by the year 2010. The Environmental
protection Agency announced a four-pronged programs in
1992 to as economic approach to reduce the release of
CFOs, are restricted to produce the amount needed by
the market. The second element involves a marketable
permit system. Under this, each of the seven U. S.
companies that are authorized to produce CFCs, are
restricted to produce the amount needed by the market.
“ The second element involves implementi8ng Excise Tax
on the sale of CFOs. The third element focuses n the
guaranteeing use of the safe alternatives. The fourth
element focuses n the recycling and reusing the ozone
depleting chemicals. Regulations have been established
that require companies to re-use ozone depleting
materials rather than release them into the
atmosphere. For example, refrigerant used in the
outmoded refrigeration system must be removed and then
reused in newly manufactured equipment. “(Cogan,
Introduction).
Many other steps can be taken individually, at a
national level as well as at an international level.
To make the control of the ozone layer depletion.
Together, the Individuals can make a difference. There
are many Climate Smart tips to protect the Earth. In
the home, the individuals can cut their utility bills
by purchasing energy efficient appliances, fixtures,
and other home equipment and products. The average
house is responsible for more air pollution and carbon
dioxide emissions than is the average car. The Energy
consumption can be reduced by up to 40 percent by
purchasing home products that display the ENERGY STAR
label. Look for the label on refrigerators, washing
machines, dishwashers, heating and cooling equipment,
televisions, VCR’s, and audio equipment. Insulating
the home and tuning up the furnace. Low-flow faucets
in the showers and sinks should be used. The
temperature of the hot water tank should be lowered to
120 degrees. The water -heater and all the water pipes
should be insulated. The persons living in the areas
having the sunny climate should install solar heating
system to provide hot water. There are many areas of
life where a person can take smart actions that will
save money while helping the environment. Some are the
things that can be done inside the home, others
outside in the yard, on the roads and even considering
major investments. In fact, there are things a person
can do anywhere and everywhere. In many ways a person
can help reduce carbon dioxide pollution and improve
the environment.
Climate Change is a global problem requiring action
from the entire international community. Countries
from around the world are working together to share
technologies, experience, resources and talent to
lower net greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the
threat of global climate change. The United States
participates in and supports several international
efforts designed to help countries to address climate
change. One important strategy for reducing global
greenhouse gas emissions is developing and sharing
climate-friendly technologies, commonly referred to as
Technology Corporation. These efforts can occur
between nations, private entities, and organizations
around the world. The United States participates in
various bilateral and multilateral technology
cooperation initiatives that aim to encourage the use
of technologies that will reduce greenhouse gases. As
countries continue to grow and develop, international
cooperation will become increasingly important as the
global community searches for ways to meet the climate
change challenge efficiently and effectively. The key
to successful cooperation is finding the activities
that will help all countries achieve their economic,
environmental, and the developmental goals in a
climate-friendly manner in that.
Today, action is occurring at every level to reduce,
to avoid, and to better understand the risks that are
associated with global warming. On a national level,
the U. S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP)
coordinates the world’s most extensive research effort
on global warming. In addition, the Clinton
Administration is actively helping to address the
challenge of global warming while, at the same time,
strengthening the economy. Many steps can be taken to
reduce global warming. A person can himself forge
ahead the world to some extent in the ozone layer
depletion by Insulating their home, tuning up their
furnace, and installing efficient showerheads. Next to
leave their car at home two days a week. Next to
recycle their entire home Ms Newsprint, cardboard,
glass, and metal. Installing a solar thermal system to
help provide their hot water can also do it. Then when
they replace the washing machine, the emphasis should
be laid on buying a low-energy, low water use model.
It’s also important to buy food and other products
with reusable or recyclable packaging. Then, When the
refrigerator is replaced, the emphasis should be laid
to buy the high-efficiency model. To put energy-saving
lightbulbs in the three most used lights in their
house. Also the important thing is to plant more trees
and thereby responding the nature with an overwhelming
output.
Finally the question arises that, have all these
steps towards the solution shown any results? The
answer would be in affirmative. . On a global level,
countries around the world have expressed a firm
commitment to strengthening international responses to
the risks of climate change.” The U. S. is working to
strengthen international action and broaden the
participation from people around the world.
Communities around the world can help by trying not to
emit such harmful gases into our atmosphere. The
experts credited a 1987 protocol singed in Montreal,
where governments agreed to limit the use of harmful
chemicals. Alternative refrigerants, parts, and new
equipment are available now for all CFC air
conditioning and refrigeration equipment. As a result
of worldwide efforts to protect the ozone layer, EPA
experts 295 million fewer cases world wide of
non-melanoma skin cancer over the next century.
“(Global Warming, Journal)”
The effects are devastating. It is ten years since the
scientists and the nations have been working towards
the solutions of this problem. The number of
signatories in the Montreal Protocol has increased
from 24 o 163 countries. Some western countries have
already reduced the release of these substances by
half, while other countries like China and Brazil are
trying to follow suit. Unfortunately, it reckoned that
the illegal trade in one of the compounds, CFC’s
“(Global Warming, Journal). We can not wait for
another fifteen years to clean it up. Clearly, the
time to act to reduce global warming pollution is now.
Reducing global warming pollution is important to
reverse the increasing global trend. If no cuts are
made today, and global warming pollution is allowed to
continue, the world could suffer sudden and
devastating climate shifts. Thus, it could be only by
human intervention, that such major problem could be
prevented. Prevention is better than cure. What
differences can one make? When faced with this
question, individuals should recognize that
collectively they could make a difference. Think back
to the days before recycling became popular- when
everyone threw everything out in the trash. In less
than 20 years, most households have gone from
recycling little to nothing to recycling newspapers,
plastics, glass and meta. Many businesses recycle
paper and buy recycled products and many industries
practice source reduction in their packaging efforts.
An entire mindset has changed in one generation.
Taking action on global warming is similar. In some
cases, it only takes a little change in lifestyle and
behavior to make some big changes in greenhouse gas
reductions. For other type of actions, the changes are
more significant. “ Individuals can make a Difference”
identifies actions that many households can take that
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in addition to other
benefits, including saving you money. The actions
range from changes in the house, in the yard, in the
car, and in the store. Everyone’s contribution counts
and its very important to save the environment. Thus,
every individual thinking the nature to be their own
affecting basis, develop a strategy to work the most
out of it in reducing pollution to the maximum
strategy possible and also implement strategies that
governs the controlling of the ozone layer depletion .
It would only lead by common’s big efforts that would
control the hazardous side- substances causing the
ozone layer depletion and thereby improve the nature
and thereby human life, which would ultimately lead to
their benefit. Which means the prosperity for the
living species in the nature.
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