An Appraisal of Ozone Layer Depletion and Its Implication on the Human Environment

O.j Adeoye ,S A Aina

doi:10.7176/jlpg/83-02

Abstract

Ozone layer depletion is a reality which poses threat to human survival if not curtail. However, it has received international attention and cooperation in which nation states have come up with series of conventions and protocols. It is no more gainsaying that the protection of the environment is a duty of all as no one can be left behind.This paper examines the ozone depletion substance, the impacts and implications of ozone layer depletion on human health and environment, and possible suggestion out of the challenges. The methodology adopted is basically doctrinal with primary sources from various international instruments relating to ozone layer depletions. The secondary sources are mainly from articles in journals, commentaries and online publications.It is our humble conclusion that ozone layer protection is a global and continuous assignment in which all hands must be on deck in order to meet the desirable target. The international communities’ cooperation in this regard is commendable. DOI : 10.7176/JLPG/83-02 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Highlights

There are many situations where human activities have significant effects on the environment
Ozone layer depletion is the reduction of the protective layer of ozone in the stratosphere by chemical pollution
The objective of this paper is to examine the concept and meaning of ozone layer depletion, causes of ozone layer depletion as well as international community’s reaction to ozone layer depletion

Summary

INTRODUCTION

There are many situations where human activities have significant effects on the environment. Ozone is a colourless gas found in the upper atmosphere of the Earth It is formed when oxygen molecules absorb ultraviolet photons and undergo chemical reaction known as photolysis.[3]. They discovered that CFC molecules were stable enough to remain in the atmosphere until they got into the middle of the stratosphere where they would be broken down by ultraviolet radiation releasing a chlorine atom. They proposed that these chlorine atoms might be expected to cause the breakdown of the large amount of ozone (O3) in the stratosphere. The convention leading to the Montreal Protocol has undergone series of amendment leading to additional targeted chemicals as ozone depleting substances (ODS)

C2F4CI2

CONCLUSION