THE OZONE LAYER AND GLOBAL WARMING

By Magnet Fofanah

The Ozone Layer – What is it?

The Ozone Layer is a thick layer in the Earth’s stratosphere that protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays omitting from the sun.

Ozone is actually made from ultraviolet rays.

Ozone consists of three oxygen atoms rather than the usual two.

It is usually formed when radiation or electrical discharge separates the two oxygen molecule atoms which then recombines with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O3).

The Ozone Layer – The Effect?

Certain products release chemicals called chloroflurocarbons which makes its way up into the earth’s stratosphere and eats away at the ozone layer.

Although stratospheric ozone is good, there is ozone produced at lower levels when sunlight rays interact with atmospheric gases made from pollution in urban areas.

This can cause breathing problems for humans

Usually occurs in the summertime, when there is more pollution

The Ozone Layer – How to Fix it?

To stop the deterioration of the ozone layer, companies have cut down the use of chloroflurocarbons in products.

Stop putting halo-methanes in the air

All countries of the world come together and agree to use different refrigerants.

The Ozone Layer – Importance?

The discussion of the Ozone Layer is important because it plays a great deal in future humanity.

Without the ozone layer, the earth is naked to harmful ultraviolet rays.

If the ozone layer deteriorates thoroughly, there’s no saying what will be of life on earth.

Global Warming – What Is It?

According to Merriem-Webster’s dictionary, global warming is an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures due to the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution.

Causes: Greenhouse Gases

Most of the greenhouse gases omitted are fossil fuels that come from cars, factories and electricity products

Carbon Dioxide is responsible for the most heating up of the earth

Other heat-trapping gases like methane and halo-methanes

Soot-covered ice absorbs heat from sun Less polar and glacial ice to reflect heat back into space

Since 1990, there has been a 20 percent increase in CO2 emissions.

Global Warming – The Effects?

Ice melting all over the world

Increased precipitation and stronger storms

Sea level rises faster Ecosystems will begin to

alter due to migration of animals

Less fresh water will be available!

The food chain will be affected

Global Warming – How to Fix it?

In order to slow down global warming or attempt to stop it, big changes worldwide have to happen.

We have to Stop burning fossil fuels and use other means of

power such as hydropower, solar power, wind power, natural gas, etc.

Attempt trapping CO2 (this is dangerous because it has to be contained FOREVER to avoid future damages from it being released again).

Global Warming – The Importance?

It is important to understand global warming and its effects because it affects not only what happens to the earth today but what it will be in the future. In order to keep the earth

from slowly fading, countries worldwide have to come together and develop a solution.

The Difference Between the Ozone Layer and Global Warming

Ozone and the Green house effect have a direct relationship.

Earth’s temperature

increase due to global warmingSun’s rays are

able to reach the earth (ozone layer depleted) Green house effect

created by the refrigerants

prevents the same rays from escaping

back into the atmosphere

Global warming is

experienced

Work Cited

"What Is the Ozone Layer?" Weather Questions. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.

"Global Warming." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

"Difference Between Ozone Depletion and Global Warming | N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.