DIETITIAN SHREYA URGES YOU TO SPARE 5 MINUTES OUT OF YOUR SCHEDULE AND READ THIS ARTICLE TO PREVENT THE FUTURE GENERATIONS FROM THE DAMAGE.
• What is Ozone Layer?
It is a region of Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• Where is it found?
Around 90% of the Ozone layer is located in the stratosphere which begins about 15 to 30 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
• What will happen if it gets destroyed?
The ozone layer prevents most harmful wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light from passing through the Earth’s atmosphere.
Depletion of this layer by ozone depleting substances (ODS) will lead to higher UVB levels,which in turn will cause DEADLY DISEASES.
• non- melanoma skin cancer
• cataract
• potential damage to plants, marine ecosystems, terrestrial & aquatic biogeochemical cycles
• What are CFCs?
Chlorofluorocarbons are a group of odorless chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine and fluorine which have been banned since 1996 because of their damage to the Ozone layer. CFCs are also known as greenhouse gases that affect the environment by contributing to global warming.
• How do CFCs deplete the ozone layer?
CFCs or Chlorofluorocarbons have extremely harmful effects when released into the atmosphere since they have destructive reactions when they combine with Ozone particles. The most common CFC emission sources are Refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers. CFCs tend to break down ozone molecules which decrease the Ozone’s UV radiation-absorbing capacity as a result depleting it.
• What does the Ozone hole means?
Ozone hole refers to the depletion of the protective ozone layer which results in excess UV radiation passing through the atmosphere.
• How do human activities affect the Ozone layer?
The immense amount of chemicals used by us in manufacturing various products takes a toll on the environment. We cannot live without ACs. Have you ever thought about the amount of damage a single individual is causing to the environment?
How many Air conditioners or refrigerators do you have at your house?
Ever thought of Car pooling? Cars have Refrigerators and air conditioners which also emit CFCs.We are a huge population. Can you wonder the humongous amount of damage that we are causing to our planet? The entire world is struck by the pandemic and the biggest hole in the Ozone layer had healed itself during the lockdown. If this is not enough for us to mend our ways then it is very sad because we are bad people who are destroying the planet that has given us whatever we have today.
We are selfish because all we think about is now.
Let’s take a moment and see what kind of world are we leaving for our future generations. And let me tell you that our generation has a unique opportunity. If we set our minds to it, we can bring about a positive change in the world and make it a better place to live in.
I would conclude by quoting a couple of lines of my favorite song by Michael Jackson, “Heal the world”.
“Heal the world, make it a better place. For you and for me, and the entire human race.”
Wish you a very Happy World Ozone Day