The ozone layer is part of the Earth’s atmosphere that contains ozone, a natural molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. The ozone layer not only protects our planet from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun that bombards the planet on a daily basis, but through the absorption of this radiation it helps to heat our stratosphere, which ultimately supports and sustains life on our planet.
Despite declining levels of the ozone layer over the past two centuries, the ozone layer is currently on its way to recover by the middle of this century.
Scientists at MIT and elsewhere published an article in the journal Science in June of this year announcing the emergence of the healing of the Antarctic ozone layer. It was during the period between the 1980s and 1990s that governments around the world began to recognize that the greatest environmental threat to the planet was ozone depletion in the stratosphere, especially above Antarctica. As a result of ozone depletion, increased UVA and UVB radiation have been shown to have detrimental effects on both humans and the environment.
To counteract the harmful effects of ozone layer depletion, 196 counties (including the European Union) signed the 1987 Montreal Protocol. This treaty governed the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting compounds . CFCs, which had been used in refrigeration and aerosol cans in the past, were replaced over time by other gases that do not deplete the ozone layer, enabling the current reform of the ozone layer.
We should be proud of what has been accomplished since the 1980s to roll back the devastating damage done to this protective layer. The corrective measures taken since then show what can be done if all societies in the world work towards a common environmental goal. Now we must turn our attention to climate change.
However, there were a number of unwanted side effects as a result of the Montreal Protocol, including an increase in other toxic gases used to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that have ultimately contributed to global warming through increased concentrations. of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO ‚), Methane (CH) and nitrous oxide (N‚O).
Unfortunately, this is compounded by the fact that these gases are also by-products of our dependence on fossil fuels.
Fortunately, the world is beginning to realize that its dependence on fossil fuels is unsustainable. In recent years there has been a dramatic shift towards renewable energy sources to help counteract these negative side effects of the ozone layer reforms emanating from the Montreal Protocol.
As an example, the production of solar energy decreases our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates the global alert by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.
The production of solar energy has minimal CO2 emissions, little use of water, is inexhaustible and is safe. The world’s electricity produced by solar energy has doubled seven times since 2000. Part of the reason for this is that solar energy is not a fuel, but a technology. Due to economies of scale and increased efficiencies, prices for solar technology and supply continue to fall. As a result, the need for fossil fuels is declining internationally.
In South Africa, progress towards renewable energy provision through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPP) has been lauded for helping to reverse the impact of climate change.
Let’s support the fight against climate change and the depletion of the life-sustaining ozone layer. By supporting the use of renewable energy, solar energy being one of these sources, we are supporting the preservation of our land.