Global warming has been a talking point for decades due to its damning consequences on the natural world. In this article, we explore what global warming is doing to the ozone layer, discussing both the positive and negative implications of this process, and providing real-life examples to illustrate our points.
At the start, it’s important to define what global warming is. At its core, global warming is a long-term temperature increase of the Earth’s atmosphere and ocean, produced by certain human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels. Due to this, the ozone layer – which functions to protect the Earth from oxygen-depleted ultra-violet radiation – has been severely depleted. This means that harmful amounts of radiation are able to reach the Earth’s surface, causing skin cancer, vision problems, and other medical issues.
However, it is important to mention that global warming is not solely responsible for the dwindling ozone layer, as ozone depletion can occur naturally due to weather patterns and other Earthly phenomena. The ozone layer is also responsible for preserving a crucial part of the Earth’s groundwater and moderating the Earth’s temperature; meaning that its depletion has significant effects beyond human health.
Arguably, the most famous example of the damage caused by the depletion ozone layer can be found in the town of Dallol, Ethiopia. Located just 40 miles from Addis Ababa, the town experiences temperatures of up to 130°F and is one of the hottest places on the planet. As a result, its low population (only about 1,000 people inhabit the town) has not been able to escape the effects of ozone depletion, as high amounts of ultra-violet radiation cause severe sunburn, cancers and other health issues. The town is symbolic of what others could expect should ozone depletion continue to occur.
However, there is some good news. The Montreal Protocol of 1987 saw the creation of a policy which halted the production of many ozone depleting substances. Since then, the ozone levels have been steadily rising again, accounting for over 10% of the ozone layer in the northern region of the planet. In this sense, we can be hopeful that future generations won’t have to experience what happened to the town of Dallol.
That said, there is still much to be done in order to tackle the effects of global warming and the damage it’s doing to the ozone layer. We must educate ourselves and society in order to fundamentally change our thinking on climate change. We must also invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce our reliance on carbon-producing fossil fuels. Only then, can we begin to address the negative effects of global warming and restore the Earth’s ozone layer.
Global warming and the devastating effects it has on the ozone layer cannot go ignored. We must begin to act now to reduce our impact on the planet, and by extension, the ozone layer, for the benefit of the future generations.
