Save Our Planet: The Ozone 

The ozone layer forms a thin shield in the upper atmosphere, protecting life on Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. In the 1980s, scientists began accumulating evidence that the ozone layer was being depleted. Soon it was discovered that Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were a major source of this ozone depletion. CFC’s were used widely in industry and elsewhere as refrigerants, insulating foams, and solvents. Strong winds carry CFCs into the stratosphere where they break down, releasing chlorine, which attacks the ozone.

Depletion of the ozone layer results in increased UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, which in turn can lead to a greater chance of overexposure to UV radiation and the related health effects. Countries around the world, including the United States, have recognized the threats posed by ozone depletion and adopted a treaty called the Montreal Protocol to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. Other ozone-depleting substances include pesticides such as methyl bromide, halons used in fire extinguishers, and methyl chloroform used in industrial processes. Scientists predict that ozone depletion should peak between 2000 and 2010. As international control measures reduce the release of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances, natural atmospheric processes will repair the ozone layer around the middle of the 21st century. Until that time, we can expect increased levels of UV radiation at the Earth’s surface. UV radiation overexposure can lead to a greater risk of health effects including, premature ageing of the skin and other skin conditions, skin cancers, cataracts and other eye damage, and immune system suppression.

Dramatic reductions in ozone levels have lead to higher levels of UVB reaching the Earth's surface. Less ozone means less protection and less protection means a greater risk of the following health problems:

1. Skin Cancer (melanoma and nonmelanoma)
2. Premature aging of the skin and other skin problems such as actinic keratosis Cataracts and other eye damage
3. Immune system suppression

Understanding these risks and taking a few sensible precautions will help you to enjoy the sun while lowering your chances of sun-related health problems later in life. However, there are more far reaching effects from the reduction in ozone on our planet including:

1. Effects on Plants including changes in Physiological and developmental processes including plant growth.
2. Effects on Marin Ecosystems including the survival rates of plankton and the reproductive capacity of fish, crab and shrimp.
3. Effects on Biochemical Cycles that effect the atmospheres’ concentrations of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide carbonyl sulfide and ozone.

Car Air Conditioner Tips

1. Go only to EPA-certified technicians for car air conditioning repair
2. Make sure refrigerants from your vehicle will be recovered and recycled during servicing
3. Repair all leaks in your car’s a/c system –the single best way you can do yor part to protect eth ozone.
4. If your car air conditioner needs major repairs, talk to your certified service professional about having it converted to use an alternative refrigerant.

Home Appliances

1. Repair all home air conditioners
2. Remove the refrigerant from refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers before disposing of them
3. If you purchase a new A/C system or heat pump, purchase one that uses non-ozone-depleting refrigerant.

Whereas deforestation, degradation and poor forest management reduce carbon storage in forests, sustainable management, planting, and rehabilitation of forests can increase carbon sequestration.  In fact the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization states “global carbon retention resulting from reduced deforestation, increased forest re-growth and more agro-forestry and plantations could make up for about 15% of carbon emissions from fossil fuels over the next 50 years (2006).”

Not only are trees an effective means for absorbing and storing the carbon you emit, they have far reaching benefits that extend well beyond that of filtering the air. Sustainably managed forests and urban forestry projects have multiple environmental and socio-economic functions important at the global, national and local scales, and play a vital part in sustainable development. Forests are sources of wood products. They help regulate local and regional rainfall. And forests are crucial sources of food, medicine, clean drinking water, and immense recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual benefits for millions of people.