CFC and Ozone Destructuion

CFC s were commonly used as refrgerents and as propellant in spry cans.when these compounds escape into the atmosphere,it reaches the stratosphere intact as they are basically inert compounds.In the stratosphere,the CFC s are broken down by the sunlight releasing chlorine atoms.These chlorine atoms act as a catalyst in the destruction of o3 as shown.The plausible catalytic reactions leading to the destruction of ozone involves chlorine (cl) and (clo) as an intermediatary.

Formation of ozone

Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when ultra violet radiation from the sun strikes the stratosphere,splitting oxygen molecules(02) in to atomic oxygen (o).The atomic oxygen quickly combines with further oxygen molecules to form ozone.

At Ground Level,ozone is a health hazard and is a major constituent of photochemical smog.However,in the stratosphere we need ozone to absorb some of the potentially harmful ultra-violet(UV) radiation from the sun (at wavelength between 240 and 320 nm) which can cause skin cancer and damage vegetation.

Ozone Layer

Ozone (o3) occurs naturally in the atmosphere.The earth's atmosphere is composed of several layers.We live in the Troposphere where most of the weather occurs;such as rain,snow and clouds.Above the troposphere is the Stratosphere;an important region in which effects such as the ozone Hole and Global warming orginate.

The Neglected Danger-Global Warming

Since 1980, the average global temperature has risen 0.2 degree Celsius each decade. Scientists predict that if we continue putting the same amount of green house gases into the atmosphere, that by the year 2030 the temperature will be rising as much as 0.5 degree C or more per decade.

Overall, the global temperature could rise anywhere from 5 to 9 degree over the next fifty years. if the temperature do rise, as predicited,several things could happen. The increase of temperature could alter the growth of crops in areas near the equator due to insufficient rain and heat. They could invariably destroy small islands, coastals cities and some shallow rivers.

Another cause of global warming is deforestation. Trees are being cut down mercilessly for man’s mere pleasure and for fulfilling his needs and wants. But the real consequences are a real danger for man kind. This problem of global warming due to deforestation can be solved by means of afforestation.but if not done; the earth and its inhabitants will become victims of global warming. And finally, a very important cause for this is, "the green house effect"-the green house gases carbon coming out from various industries and reaching the atmosphere and slowly depleting the ozone layer.

This may have harsh effects on the climate of the world. I believe global warming is a big threat to our nation and the world. If we do not act now, it may be too late. Although there is no sure way of telling what the climate will be like in the future we must take steps to ensure the health of the earth. If u look at what is happening to this world and u will see that there is a pollution problem. There are steps being taken to reduce the amount of green house gases put into the air. but it still is not enough, we need to do more to reduce global warming, if we don't do it now, future generations will suffer the effects of global warming.