Protecting our Skies: An Environmental Success

4/26/24
Melissa Maliyil (Hebron High School)

High above us, unseen yet crucial, lies the ozone layer- a silent protector against the sun's harmful rays. But what exactly is this invisible shield? Ozone is a highly reactive, odorless, colorless gas made of three oxygen atoms. The stratosphere, the layer of the atmosphere about 6-30 miles above our planet, contains important ozone that is vital to block harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, the ozone layer is susceptible to human activities. 

One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules. This is much faster than the rate of replacement--letting this get out of hand can lead to the depletion of ozone. If this happens, there will be dire consequences for both people and the environment. Instances of skin cancer, cataracts, impaired immune systems, and melanoma will skyrocket. Crops, such as soybeans, will be destroyed, crop production will plummet, and phytoplankton populations will decline. 

So, what could cause this depletion? Humans have been producing harmful chemicals including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), carbon tetrachloride, and methylene chloroform, which are collectively known as ozone depleting substances (ODs).  These man-made compounds are found in products such as refrigerants, aerosol sprays, and foam insulation. But in 1987 the Montreal Protocol, the defender of our skies, was passed and signed by 197 United Nations members. This international agreement phased out the use of these dangerous chemicals. It is undeniably important to push for a sustainable United States, but this event has proven the vitality of the entire world making an effort. The treaty has prevented ozone depletion that would have increased by 10 times by 2050. It also halted the production of 135 gigatons of carbon dioxide that would have immensely contributed to climate change had it not been passed. Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, we have been able to avoid 1.5 million skin cancer deaths, 45 million cataracts, and a 25% hotter earth. The protocol was the first major environmental success and is crucial to arguing that saving the planet is not a lost cause. 

There are still a few issues relating to ozone depletion to address. One is the annual “hole” over Antarctica. Every spring since the 1980s, it has formed each year. Though it is called a hole, it’s more like a significantly thin section of the ozone layer which is responsible for the rapid warming in the Arctic. However, Earth’s ozone layer is on track to recover by the mid-21st century. By 2040, the layer will be back to the condition it was in the 80s, before ODs first started being released into the atmosphere. And by 2045 to 2066, the persistent holes in the Arctic and Antarctica will recover to its original state. Another problem is the continued use of HCFCs, which are less damaging but still a powerful greenhouse gas and ozone depleter. The Kigali Amendment was created in response. The amendment, effective as of January 2019, aims to cut HCFC use by 80% over the next three decades. It is the first climate treaty that the United States Senate has approved in decades, marking the beginning of a greener America. Currently, scientists are working on more environmentally friendly alternatives for coolants/refrigerants to reduce or eliminate dependence on harmful chemicals. It can prevent almost half of a degree Celsius in global temperature increase, which is equal to about 32.9 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Our battle for the ozone layer is only one part of the revolution for Earth, but it is an important one. The cooperation of countries all across the world, each with different levels of power, illustrates the necessity of global collaboration to saving the planet. The success of the Montreal Protocol is one of the first major wins for the environment, which sets an example for scientists and civilians today that hope is not lost. Through international efforts, legislative action, and technological innovation we can create a safer, healthier world for centuries to come.