Saturday, October 17, 2009

CLIMATE CHANGE: Ozone Layer Depletion - Effects and Causes of Ozone Depletion

By Pauline Go

One of the most discussed topics today is global warming and its negative effects on the environment. It is the top priority environmental issue for many countries. The process of global warming is speeding up due to the depletion of the ozone layer. It is very important for us to understand what the ozone layer is and what role it plays environmentally.

Ozone is one of the greenhouse gases which are present in the atmosphere. It exists in the form of a thick layer and is made up of oxygen molecules. Three oxygen molecules make one ozone molecule. The oxygen molecules present in the environment absorb the ultra violet rays from the sun and undergo a chemical reaction to form ozone molecules. Ultraviolet rays are harmful for human beings as they have destructive abilities. They can penetrate and breakdown the molecules.

The ozone formed due to this chemical reaction, in turn, absorbs the ultra violet rays from the sun. If not for the ozone layer, all living beings on the earth would be dying of skin cancer and other diseases. Because the ozone layer is absorbing all the ultra violet rays before it touches the land, we are safe.

The main reason for the ozone to deplete is pollution by chlorofluorocarbons or CFC. CFC is added to the environment by human beings in various forms. Several industrial processes like manufacturing medications, aerosols, and making other products which involve coolants can create these CFCs. Every time we spray a deodorant or open our refrigerators, we are releasing CFC into the atmosphere.

About Author:

Pauline Go is an online leading expert in the environmental industry. She also offers top quality articles like:

Global Warming Causes, Climate Change Effect

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ozone-Layer-Depletion---Effects-and-Causes-of-Ozone-Depletion&id=2975618

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