wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

What efforts have been made to reduce the ozone layer depletion?


Open in App
Solution

Ozone layer:

  • Ozone is a gas, that is poisonous to humans.
  • This is present in the upper atmosphere at the height of 20-50 km from the surface of the earth. This region is termed the ozone layer as this gas is predominantly present at this level.
  • The ozone is crucial for living organisms as it protects them from the harmful radiations coming from the earth.
  • This gas can absorb harmful radiation like ultraviolet radiation.

Ozone layer depletion:

  • Human activities can negatively affect this layer as these activities release some substances that can reduce the ozone gas in the atmosphere.
  • The removal or reduction of the ozone causes thinning of the layer and is termed ozone depletion.

Ozone-depleting substances:

  • The substances that reduce the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, are called ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are such substances.
  • CFCs are present in aerosol sprays, fire extinguishers, refrigerators, and other similar objects.

Efforts towards the ozone layer protection:

  • The ozone depletion or ozone hole over Antarctica caught the attention of the scientists and thus efforts were made for its protection.
  • Montreal protocol (1987): This is an agreement signed by the member countries under the guidance of the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program).
  • As per this protocol, the level of ozone should be reached to the level of the ozone that was present in 1986. This protocol came into effect on January 1, 1989.
  • As per the protocol, CFCs were banned in several countries.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
7
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
CIVICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon