Istanbul Technical University’s Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Meteorological Engineering, has issued a stark warning regarding the depletion of the ozone layer and its potential well being penalties. This depletion, pushed by numerous elements, together with human actions and a current volcanic eruption, could persist over the approaching winters.
Scientists have been expressing considerations concerning the depletion of the ozone layer for the reason that late Nineteen Seventies. Notably, in 1985, scientists Jonathan Shanklin, Brian Gardiner and Joe Farman made a big discovery associated to the ozone layer in Antarctica. Two years later, in 1987, world leaders gathered to signal the “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.” This historic settlement aimed to ban the worldwide use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemical substances identified to trigger ozone depletion. The protocol’s signing date, Sept. 16, has been designated because the “International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer” since 1995, following a United Nations resolution.
Professor Deniz Demirhan, a college member at Istanbul Technical University’s Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, highlighted the very important function of the ozone layer in defending life on Earth. The ozone layer is a 3-millimeter-thick fuel layer located throughout the stratosphere, the second layer of Earth’s ambiance, extending to a thickness of 25-30 kilometers. This layer performs a vital function in safeguarding ecosystems and human well being by absorbing 99% of dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays from the solar.
Demirhan emphasised that the time period “ozone depletion” is extra correct than “depletion of ozone gas” for the reason that ozone layer itself is comprised of fuel. He famous that the discount within the whole ozone degree within the stratosphere for the reason that late Nineteen Seventies is primarily attributed to dangerous gases emitted into the ambiance on account of human actions.
“These gases were used in products that have a very important place in our lives, such as refrigerators, coolers and fire extinguishers. These harmful gases can persist for years, even decades in the atmospheric layer known as the troposphere, which is closest to where we live and breathe,” Demirhan defined.
Demirhan additional highlighted the extreme well being implications of ozone layer depletion, together with an elevated danger of pores and skin ailments, DNA injury, sunburns, cataracts, untimely getting old and weakened immune methods on account of direct publicity to dangerous UV rays from the solar.
The impression of ozone depletion extends past human well being. Marine ecosystems, significantly plankton, are weak to wreck from dangerous UV rays, disrupting the aquatic meals chain. Additionally, crops uncovered to intense UV rays could expertise slower development, delayed blossoming and photosynthesis disruptions.
While human actions have contributed considerably to ozone layer depletion, volcanic eruptions exacerbate the difficulty. Large volcanic eruptions launch sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, the place it reacts with chlorine from human-generated dangerous gases, accelerating the destruction of ozone.
Demirhan emphasised that the ozone layer’s thickness varies seasonally and geographically. Ozone ranges start to rise in July with warming climate and decline in November as temperatures cool. The most pronounced ozone depletion happens on the poles, with the South Pole experiencing a barely higher lower than the North Pole.
In a regarding improvement, the eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in January 2022, essentially the most important volcanic eruption in a century, injected ice and water vapor deep into the stratosphere. This occasion raised water vapor ranges by 5%-10% and blocked daylight from reaching Earth, resulting in stratospheric cooling over the Southern Hemisphere. Excess water vapor has contributed to ozone depletion within the Southern Hemisphere, and this development is predicted to proceed over the following few winters.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
