Protection of the ozone layer
Introduction
 The
ozone layer is a layer of gas in the upper atmosphere which protects humans and other living things
from the harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays of the sun. In the
1970s scientists discovered that certain man-made chemicals
could destroy ozone and deplete the ozone layer. Further research
found that the growing production and use of chemicals like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosol sprays, refrigeration,
insulation and air conditioning was contributing to the accumulation
of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in the atmosphere. They
also observed that an ‘ozone hole’ was developing above the
Antarctic. Find here more information about the ozone hole.
A thinning ozone layer leads to a number of serious health
risks for humans. It causes greater incidences of skin cancer
and cataract of the eye, with children being particularly
vulnerable. There are also serious impacts for biodiversity.
Increased UV-B rays reduce levels of plankton in the oceans
and subsequently diminish fish stocks. It can also have adverse
effects on plant growth, thus reducing agricultural productivity.
Another negative effect is the reduced lifespan of certain
materials.
Severe depletion of the Antarctic ozone layer was first observed
in the early 1980s. The international response embodied in the Montreal
Protocol. Today 191 countries worldwide have signed the Montreal
Protocol which is widely regarded as the most successful Multinational
Environmental Agreement ever reached to date.
Furthermore the phasing out of ozone depleting substances (ODS)
has helped to fight climate change since many ODS are also powerful
greenhouse gases.
The ozone layer protection policy
of the EU and its Member States is even more ambitious than
the Montreal Protocol.
While the Montreal Protocol has made great strides in the global
effort to protect the ozone layer, the task is far from being complete.
Despite all efforts substantial recovery of the ozone layer is not
expected before the middle of the 21st century.
Hence there is the need for new impetus on negotiations to fight
the challenges still ahead.
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