OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

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Why the hole in the atmospheric ozone layer above us? What has been done about this? Why should I worry ourselves about the Ozone Layer Depletion?

Good life at the beach threatened?

Mr. OZONE: Will I be able to continue enjoying this life without problems?

What is Ozone? Ozone Layer?

Ozone (O3) is a highly-reactive from of oxygen. Ozone has a strong scent and is blue in color.

Ozone exists within both the tropospheric and stratospheric zones of the Earths atmosphere
In the troposphere, ground level ozone is a major air pollutant and primary constituent of photochemical smog In the stratosphere, the ozone layer is an essential protector of life on earth as it absorbs harmful UV radiation before it reaches the earth.

CFCs and ozone depletion

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are created and used in refrigerators and air conditioners. These CFC are not harmful to humans and have been a benefit to us. Once released into the atmosphere, CFC are bombarded and destroyed by ultraviolet rays. In the process chlorine is released to destroy the ozone molecules

Destruction of ozone by chlorine

Effects of UV rays on Aquatic Ecosystems

Ozone depletion causes increases in UV rayss effects on aquatic ecosystems by:
1. decreasing the abundance of phytoplankton affects the food stock for fishes and the absorption of CO2 2. decreasing the diversity of aquatic organisms reduces food stock and also destroys several fish and amphibians.

Effects of UV rays on Terrestrial Ecosystems

Damage to plant cell DNA molecules - makes plants more susceptible to pathogens and pests
Reductions in photosynthetic capacity in the plant - results in slower growth and smaller leaves Causes mutations in mammalian cells and destroys membranes

Harmful effects of UV rays on people

Skin cancer Premature aging (photoaging) of the skin (different from normal chronological aging) Cataracts and eye disorders (corneal sunburn and blindness) Immune system damage

The Importance Of Proper Management Of Development Activities And The Ecosystem

Bring about positive effects on the environment by taking measures to carryout proper management of development activities such as conserving and preserving living organisms and the environment. and Provide electrical power to the whole country, dams are constructed across rivers with little consideration of their impact on the environment.

Managing development activities to ensure a balanced ecosystem

Forests must be managed properly so that they can continue to perform their vital environmental functions and to release their enormous economic potential. The number of mature trees which can be removed must be replaced by replanting new trees. Greater productivity from existing agricultural lands will also reduce the pressure to convert more forests to these uses. In this way, we can still continue to farm and harvest timber while protecting the Earths biodiversity