Environmentalists around the world have long been bringing up the case of the depletion of the Ozone layer. Yet, it is a pity that despite the importance of the Ozone layer and seriousness of the issue, the world at large, has continued to turn a blind eye towards the problem. The Ozone layer, which is basically a gas in the lower stratosphere of the atmosphere, much like super charged oxygen. The importance of the layer lies in the fact that it protects Earth against ultraviolet rays from the Sun. The sheer seriousness of the depletion of the Ozone layer can be gauged from the fact that if exposed to the Sun's harmful UV rays, life on our planet will take a turn for the worst. From an environmental standpoint, the depletion of the Ozone layer can lead to the greenhouse effect whereby ice caps melt and flood cities near the coast.
Fortunately though, governments around the world have taken some steps to prevent the complete depletion of the Ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer which was signed in 1987 by 194 including Canada was a major step forward in the prevention of the production of environment damaging products and substances. In addition, the protocol has been updated several times to account for an increased number of products. In addition, other nations too, such as India, have also taken steps to protect the Ozone Layer.
Yet, despite all the initiatives taken, countries around the world continue to produce products and substances are damaging for the environment. China for example, is a country that is plagued by smog, and large scale manufacture of harmful products goes almost unnoticed there.
Works Cited
"B.C. Air Quality." What Governments are Doing about Ozone Depletion. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. <http://www.bcairquality.ca/101/government-ozone-depletion.html>.
"Health and Environmental Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion | Science | Ozone Layer Protection | US EPA." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. <http://www.epa.gov/spdpublc/science/effects/index.html>.
"Helpful or Harmful? The Truth About Ozone." About.com Environmental Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. <http://environment.about.com/od/ozonedepletion/a/whatisozone.htm>.
"Impact of Ozone Depletion." Impact of Ozone Depletion. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. <http://www.ozonedepletion.info/education/part2/ozoneimpact.html>.
"Recent International Developments in Saving the Ozone Layer." Recent International Developments in Saving the Ozone Layer. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2014. <http://www.theozonehole.com/recentment.htm>.
