Depleted Ozone Layer And The Resultant Uv example essay topic

... an ecosystem a variety of species would be affected. Furthermore, the same oxygen recycled by phytoplankton is breathed by all animals and man himself thus adding to the importance of the threatened oceanic food chain. A weakened ozone umbrella could also have a tremendous impact on wildlife. Moreover, in support of devastating impact on the crops and animals, a diminished ozone layer has been associated with environmental damage and concern. The potential effect on the earth's climate systems and weather is another negative aspect joined at the hip with a weakened ozone shield. The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere ' 15 - 50 km above the earth's surface ' and plays a key role in the development of weather patterns (Boisseau, 1987, p. 7).

' When stratospheric ozone intercepts UV light, heat is generated. This heat helps create stratospheric winds, the driving force behind weather patterns ' (Lemonick, 1992, p. 42). By changing the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, through man - made chemical interference, the regular wind patterns are affected. Ultimately, ' a diminished ozone layer will help heat up the atmosphere, adding to the threat of global warming ' (Bowermaster, 1990, p. 33). Convincingly, climatologists have noted that, ' Weather patterns have already begun to changeover Antarctica ' (Lemonick, 1992, p. 42).

' Virtually all the CFCs and halons that have ever been released are still in the atmosphere ' (Jones, 1992, p. 39). This means that all the potent ozone destroyers which indirectly cause an increase in harmful ultraviolet light are still in the atmosphere accomplishing their chemically destructive tasks. Moreover, this destructive process will continue in the sky for the CFC's and halon's ' atmospheric lifetime of between 70 and 150 years ' (Brune et al, 1992, p. 38). The changing weather patterns and global warming will continue to exist as long as this ozone depletion is still occurring.

Ozone replenishes itself naturally but ' it will take the entire 21st century to return to pre - CFC levels ' (Rowland, 1992, p. 67). Ozone destruction has left an indelible mark on the atmosphere and will continue to do so for at least another century. The depletion of the ozone layer has a potential catastrophic effect towards the environment. Furthermore, a diminished ozone layer provides man with another of his already many viable health concerns. Man continually strives to better his health and tries desperately to stave off his self - acknowledged mortality. On eof the many health concerns brought to light in wake of the ozone depletion story is cataracts.

Cataracts is a medical condition in which the lens of the eye deteriorates causing blurriness and even blindness. Statistics show that 'if the ozone layer is depleted by 1%, 100,000 people worldwide would be blinded' (Brune et al, 1992, p. 39). In addition to higher rates of cataracts, rates of skin cancer have also been linked to increased ultraviolet light in recent years. ' On a population wide - basis the connection between ultraviolet exposure and an increased risk of skin cancer have been established beyond question ' (Cox, 1994, p. 546). Admittedly, some of the recent increases in skin cancer rates can be attributed to the growth in popularity and fascination with tanning and sun bathing but another, and more convincing statistic states,' In the 1930's, Canadians had one chance in 3500 of getting melanoma. In the 1990's, the chance is one in 100.

' (Brune et al, 1992, p. 38) Most forms of skin cancer are not serious, but ' melanoma is fatal but in only 20 percent of the cases. ' (Rowland, 1992, p. 66) One doctor simplifies the matter by noting,' Increased UV radiation has a negative effect on all biology. ' (Boisseau, 1988, p. 8) All biology having been pertained to all life without consequence to size, type, or location. Another negative effect of increased ultraviolet radiation is its link to immunological drawbacks. According to the World Resources Institute, ' A diminished ozone layer may also make people more vulnerable to a variety of infectious diseases like malaria ' (Bowermaster eta l, 1990, p. 31). Scientists agree that they ' already know that ultraviolet light can impair immunity to infectious diseases in animals ' (Lemonick, 1992, p. 41).

Since it has been determined that immune - effects have occurred in animals it cannot be preposterous to assume a similar effect can be set upon humanity which is genetically and historically, according to Darwinist's, related to the animal kingdom. Immunological processes are carried out at the cellular level just as any other life processes supporting the notion that ' ultraviolet light carries enough energy to damage DNA and thus disrupt the working of the cells ' (Lemonick, 1989, p. 41). Furthermore, a U.N. research team stated increases in ultraviolet light's peed up the onset of the AIDS virus ' (Brunet al, 1992, p. 32). Ultraviolet light reduces immune efficiency by 'suppressing the production of antibodies, helping cancers to be established and grow and increasing the susceptibility to herpes and leishmaniasis ' (Lean eta l, 1990, p. 97). A suppressed immune system is just one more of many health concerns linked conclusively to a depleted ozone layer and the resultant UV increases. The medical ramifications of increased UV light is another effect linked to the ecological 'lit fuse' we call ozone depletion.

Ozone layer depletion possesses a potentially catastrophic cargo of harmful ultraviolet light concerning mankind and the planet Earth. Agriculture, wildlife, the environment and human health are all aspects of the planet Earth which are affected by a dramatic loss in atmospheric ozone stability. In the name of progress and societal advancement, mankind has released millions of tonnes of potent ozone destroyers in the last sixty years. The immediate scientific result of a depleted ozone layer is an increase in the amount of harmful ultraviolet light which reaches the Earth's surface. Historically, mankind has endured atrocity, calamity, and ferocity.

In terms of the environment, it too has endured. Environmental endurance is tested regularly at the benefits of society. What makes man man is his ability to survive and repair the damage he has done. Al Gore defined man's relationship with the sky in posing the frightening question, ' What will it do to our children's outlook on life if we have to teach them to be afraid to look up? ' (Lemonick, 1992, p. 40). If the ozone layer can be freed from the clutches of chemical villainy, only then can it be truly said once again ' let there be light ' and not worry about the consequences.

Bibliography

Boisseau, Peter R. ' The Mysterious Threat. ' Probe Post, Spring 1987, 10: 1-9.
Bowermaster, Jon, and Will Steger, eds. Saving the Earth. New York City: AlfredA. Knopf Inc., 1990.
Brune, Nick, and Fisher, Bob, eds. Disappearing Ozone: Danger in the Sun? Toronto: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 1992.
Cox, Gary. ' The Ozone Hole. ' Consumer Reports Aug. 1994: 546.
Jones, David. ' Ozone. ' Earth keeper Oct. / Nov. 1992: 36 - 46.
Lean, Geoffrey, Don Hinrichs en, and Adam Markham, eds. Atlas of the Environment. New York City: Prentice Hall Press Inc., 1990.
Lemonick, Michael D. ' Deadly Danger in a Spray Can. ' Time 2 Jan. 1989: 41.
Lemonick, Michael D. ' The Ozone Vanishes. ' Time 17 Feb. 1992: 40 - 44.
Rowland, F. Sherwood. ' Northern Exposure. ' People 20 Apr. 1992: 66 - 68.
Way, David. ' Twilight on the Ozone. ' Probe Post, Winter 1988, 10: 3- 6.
Zimmer, Carl.'s on of Ozone Hole. ' Nature Oct. 1993: 28 - 30.