How does Ozone Depletion affect the atmosphere?
Every time a small amount of the ozone layer is lost, more UV light from the sun reaches Earth. With everything 1% of the ozone layer being depleted, 2% more UV-B is able to reach the surface of the planet. This raise in UV-B rays has one of the most harmful consequences of ozone depleting because skin cancer can be caused. It is estimated by the EPA that 60 million Americans born by 2075 will get skin cancer from ozone depleting. One million of these people will die. On top of cancer, there will be increased rates of malaria and other infectious diseases. 17 million more cases of cataracts are expected by the EPA. The environment will also be significantly harmed by ozone depletion. The environment will also be negatively affected by ozone depletion. The life cycles of plants will change, disrupting the food chain. Effects on animals will also be severe, and are very difficult to foreshadow. Plankton may not be able to survive from this, which means that all animals above plankton in the food chain will die out and become extinct. Forests and deserts will also be harmed. The climate will also be affected by the depletion of the ozone layer, mostly from wind patterns changing.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/ozone_depletion_-_effects.html
How is Ozone Depletion produced?
At the very top of the stratosphere there is the gas ozone. The suns rays are absorbed by the ozone in the stratosphere and don't reach the Earth through this. Ozone is formed by three atoms of oxygen. The oxygen form that is breathed in by humans consists of two oxygen atoms. When found on the surface of the planet ozone is a dangerous pollutant and is responsible for producing the greenhouse effect. 90% of all ozone is contained in the highest regions of the stratosphere. The main cause of the ozone layer being depleted is the release of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). Antarctica was the first to be hit by ozone destruction. The massive hole in the layer above Antarctica threatens everyone due to the melting icecaps. This problem will have to be solved so the protective layer can be conserved.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/ozone_depletion.html
When was Ozone Depletion first noticed?
It was discovered in the mid 1980s.
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/ozone_depletion.html
Where is Ozone Depletion most common?
Antarctica due to the massive hole forming over the continent. The icecaps in Antarctica are beginning to melt causing trouble for the entire Earth. This hole must be changed/saved or we're all going to be going through some major trouble.
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Does the world view Ozone Depletion as a major concern?
Ozone Depletion is seen as a major concern by the world mostly because it's a serious problem putting the entire Earth in danger. When the icecaps begin to melt faster and faster certain animals will begin to die off as well as crops, and it will turn into a giant domino effect. This needs to be taken serious, and needs to have control over it now.
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What has the world done (if anything) to counteract the affects or production of Ozone Depletion?
The "Montreal Protocol" was passed in order to give protocol onto the substances that were creating the depletion in the ozone. There was also a day nominated by the United Nations General Assembly called "World Ozone Day" that celebrated the signing of the Montreal protocol. Many things are being done in order to put restrictions on the substances that are being emitted to harm the ozone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_depletion
What could possibly happen if Ozone Depletion goes untreated?
When and if the ozone depletion goes untreated a domino effect will happen affecting millions of people all over Earth. Species will die off, soil will become too dry to plant, cancer will be spread around to the point where you won't know anybody that doesn't have it.
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