Ozone Depletion
Overview
High in the stratosphere, a thin band of ozone acts as the planet's sunscreen, soaking up most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation before it can reach us. For decades, gases from everyday products such as aerosol sprays and refrigerators drifted up to this layer and quietly tore it apart, opening a seasonal hole over Antarctica. It is a striking example of how a useful invention can have an invisible global cost.
In this lesson you will learn what causes ozone depletion, how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) release chlorine that destroys ozone, and why the result is more ultraviolet radiation at the surface, with consequences for human health and crops. You will also study how the world responded, through international agreement, a ban on CFCs and the safe disposal of old equipment, and you will see why this is one of the great success stories of environmental management. Crucially, you will learn to keep ozone depletion firmly separate from the greenhouse effect.
Objectives
- 4.4.1 State that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosols and refrigerants are the cause of ozone depletion in the ozone layer.
- 4.4.2 Describe the impacts of ozone depletion, limited to: (a) higher levels of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface (b) increased rates of cancer and cataracts (c) damage to vegetation resulting in reduced crop yields.
- 4.4.3 Describe strategies to manage the impacts of ozone depletion, limited to: (a) international agreement and policies (b) CFC ban and alternatives to CFCs (c) safe disposal of CFCs.
- 4.4.4 Discuss the benefits and limitations of strategies to manage the impacts of ozone depletion.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Ozone Depletion. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which gases are responsible for ozone depletion? A. Carbon dioxide and methane B. Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) D. Oxygen and nitrogen Answer: C
- CFCs were commonly used in: A. Power stations and factories B. Aerosols and refrigerants C. Vehicle engines D. Cement manufacture Answer: B
- Ozone depletion leads to: A. Less ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface B. More ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface C. Rising sea levels D. Acid rain Answer: B
- Which international agreement was created to control CFCs? A. The Kyoto Protocol B. The Paris Agreement C. The Montreal Protocol D. The Rio Earth Summit Answer: C
- Which health problem is linked to increased ultraviolet radiation from ozone depletion? A. Asthma B. Skin cancer C. Diarrhoea D. Dementia Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
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