The Ozone Holes

To whom this may concern,
 As I am writing this, the year is 2016 in the United States. The main topic of this letter is to discuss climate change not just locally but globally. Climate change was first addressed in the mid-1980’s when pollution was at an all time high. Everyone knows of the concerns of climate change, its causes, and its solutions to help fix it. Whether or not in the year of 2216 you all are still having this issue over climate change, I'm here to inform you of how we saw it as an issue. My main concern and purpose of this letter are to talk about the 2 Antarctic ozone holes. If by any chance at this time they've completely disappeared then you'll have no use of this letter, but if still present then this letter might help point you toward the solution on how on to fix the problem.

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              Here are some basic facts on what we know about the ozone holes. More specifically there are 2 large holes in the Antarctic region. Both were formed in the early 2000’s, one in 2000 and the other in 2006. One is approximately 29.8 million square kilometers and the other is 29.6 million square kilometers. According to the article (1)The Ozone Layer, “The natural balance of the ozone hole has been disrupted by the emissions and production of ODS’s (Ozone Depleting Substances).” Emissions of CFC, halogens, CH₃CCl₃, carbon tetrachloride, HCFC’s, and methyl bromide are the main source and cause of the ozone holes. These substances can be emitted by refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, aerosols, agricultural fumigants, and solvents used for cleaning electronic equipment. There is two cause to the depletion of the ozone human which was already stated and natural. Climate change caused by nature is a cycle, it can be dated back thousands of years, but in recent years,humans have added more to the change.

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             When researching this topic I came across a very useful source, (2) About the Ozone Layer: 2010 Update, which not only have written information but charts as well to illustrate the information as well. Each question was a concern that was directed toward the ozone hole and was answered with specific data and information. The purpose of the ozone layer is to protect the Earth from harmful UV-A and UV-B radiations transmitted from the Sun. With the thinning of the ozone layer and creating the ozone holes, there are more chances of sickness such as cancer to occur for generations to come. This (3)article states how the ozone layer contributes to climate change, but it is not the sole reason for it. 

            (2) Protecting the ozone is the main concern and international efforts have been mad to help reduce the consumption and production of ODS’s. The “Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer” was an international agreement made by all United Nation members that would follow the rules on reducing consumption and productions of ODS’s. The Protocol has helped decrease the size of the hole and if everyone in the years to come comply with the rules decreasing ODS’s will happen throughout the 21^ST century. Between the years of 2050-2065, the ozone will be back to its form from before 1980.

                  It's important that we as humans take care of our environment. That we take the necessary steps to fix the wrongdoings that we have created as a race. If we want to be able to live on this Earth until the Sun explodes, in about 5 billion years, then we need to help keep the Earth to its almost perfect state once again. By taking the initiative and preserving the Earth, we take the burden off future generations' which leads them to have more productive and healthier lives.

 Sincerely,

Valeria Cowell

           

references:

1.The Ozone Layer: The Department of the Environment designs and implements the Australian Government’s policies and programmes to protect and conserve the environment, water, and heritage and promote climate action. The environmental framework is being delivered under four pillars: Clean air, Clean water, Clean land, and national heritage.2. 20 Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer: 2010 Update: The update of this component of the Assessment was discussed by the 74 scientists who attended the Panel Review Meeting for the 2010 Ozone Assessment (Les Diablerets, Switzerland, 28 June–2 July 2010).
3.Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 1998 Executive Summary: NOAA's Mission: Science, Service, and Stewardship:1. To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans and coasts. 2. To share that knowledge and information with others. 3. To conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans and coasts

Charts:
(4)Causes of Climate Change: The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.