How is Ozone Depletion related to Climate Change?

Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The main causes of climate change can be natural or the result of human activities. Ozone depletion is among the major activities that lead to climate change.

The ozone layer is a region of the earth’s stratosphere that acts as a shield and protects us against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, absorbing most of it. Without it, most people would have skin diseases and weak immunity. Even after this shield, we protect ourselves from the UV rays using sunglasses, sunscreens, and hats.

Now that we know the role the ozone layer plays in our lives, it was a shock when scientists discovered a hole in it over Antarctica. It’s believed that its main cause was the excessive use of chlorofluorocarbons. This could be considered an example of ozone depletion.

Ozone depletion is the gradual thinning of the ozone layer caused mainly due to chemical compounds like chlorofluorocarbons, nitrogenous compounds, and natural events like volcanic eruptions.

Though ozone depletion is not directly the cause of global warming, the human activities which lead to both of these things are much the same.

Let’s list some ways to protect our environment and reduce climate change -

1) Reducing the number of vehicles used by promoting the use of public transport and carpool.
2) Avoid the usage of CFCs in refrigerators and air conditioners.
3) Using eco-friendly cleaning products.

“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” – Benjamin Franklin