How the Ozone Layer protects Humanity from Extinction

Ozone layer is a thin layer of gas that protects the Earth from the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet solar radiation.

The ozone layer is a protective atmospheric shield that cushions people from getting to adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation that can lead to increased cases of skin cancer.

How countries rushed to salvage the Ozone Layer

Vienna convention adopted in 1985 brought countries that agreed to corporate on science and policy. It set a framework of protecting the ozone layer.

In 1987 the Montreal Protocol was signed and signatory nations agreed on stemming up efforts to protect the ozone shield.

Kenya ratified the Kigali amendment in 2023. In the Kigali Amendment, countries agreed to scale down the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) powerful greenhouse gases used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and insulation.

Protection methods that were advocated include phasing out ozone-depleting substances and adoption of eco-friendly products.

Depletion of the ozone layer can be critical to human health, agriculture and the environment.

How the Ozone Layer functions

Ozone is made up of 3 oxygen atoms O3, while the air we breath is made up of 2 oxygen atoms O2.

Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) from the sun. This process prevent harmful substances from reaching the Earth.

Ozone also absorbs another form of ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) from the sun. This process causes the regeneration of new ozone gases in the stratosphere.

Long-term exposure to high levels of UV-B threatens human health and damages most animals, plants and microbes, so the ozone layer protects all life on Earth.

Ozone depleting substances

1. chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are mostly used in refrigerators, asthma inhalers and other aerosols.

2. hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons and methyl bromide.

3. Halons for fire protection on planes and ships.

Measures to prevent depletion of the Ozone Layer

There are a number of ways to help protect the ozone layer, including:

1. Planting trees and other plants. Trees and plants help in the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

2. Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer.

3. Reducing the amount of chlorine and bromine in the atmosphere. Chlorine and bromine are two of the most harmful chemicals to the ozone layer.

Compiled by

Dennis Webala Kerre

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