Question

Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern? What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Answer 1

Ozone depletion occurs widely in the stratosphere. However, it is more prominent over the Antarctic region and is known as the ozone hole.

Diagram representing ozone hole

Consequences of ozone depletion:

• It causes skin darkening, skin cancer, ageing, and corneal cataracts in human beings.

• It can result in the death of many phytoplanktons that leads to increased global warming.

To limit the damage to the ozone layer, the release of CFCs into the atmosphere must be reduced. CFCs used as refrigerants and in fire extinguishers should be replaced with environmentally-safe alternatives. Also, the release of CFCs through industrial activities should be controlled.