In today’s world, there is a drastically increase in manufacturing industries due to the increased knowledge of mankind. Modernized machinery and equipment and the glory of one mankind to become rich forces him to endeavor in this historical event. Due to the fact that a human is more concerned only by getting the best out of the environment, the environment at the end suffers. Gases that include methane (CH4) and nitrogen oxide (N2O) are emitted into the atmosphere during these industrial processes hence there is the depletion of the ozone layer resulting in the so called ozone hole. Thus the essay below would highlight more on human’s impact on the atmosphere and later effects of the ozone hole which in turn affect them.
Albarca J.F (2000) notes that an ozone layer is a belt of ozone gases which is located at about 15 to 50km above the earth surface. This layer blocks harmful ultraviolet (gamma and alpha rays) part of the solar radiation from reaching the earth surface which will in future cause nonmelanoma skin cancer. Ozone depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons thin this ozone layer resulting in a large area having half or less ozone than normal to appear hence the term ozone hole. Handwerk (2000) elaborate that the ozone is created naturally when oxygen molecules high in the atmosphere get broken by sunlight into two free oxygen atoms. A free atom can then bond with an unbroken oxygen atom and ozone is born. Ozone depletion happens when an ultraviolet light breaks the molecular bond in the CFCs and free atom get released. Chlorine then destroys ozone molecules by “stealing” their oxygen atom, hence the term ozone depletion. With increased reaction of this matter it will result in the so called ozone hole. Thus in my own view ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, helping in the protection of harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the earth surface.
The wide spread of CFCs is a major concern to the environment. The major uses are ‘foam blowing’ for upholstery padding, freezer lining, fast-foods cartons, fire extinguishing system, and cavity-wall insulation and as a fluid in refrigeration and air condition systems. CFCs are used as solvents in industrial and electronic cleaning processes. They are widely used because they are non-toxic, stable, non-flammable and compressible substance as noted by Albarca (2000). Fridges and hairspray cans are not properly exposed thus when they degrade the CFCs are evaporated into the atmosphere. Due to their high stability they are able to get into the stratosphere where they will be broken down to release active chlorine. Handwerk (2000) notes that if there is an increase emission of the CFCs, the decreased ozone level of the hole would eventually cover the whole planet. This in the end will cause an effect to us humans.
The high demand of fuel is forcing industries to meet the rising demand thus there is increased burning of fossil fuel like coal and crude oil. This is because of the increasing industrialization worldwide and the high demand. During combustion process a lot of carbon monoxide is released into the atmosphere which will react with the ozone gases leading to its thickening and finally at the end tearing, creating a hole. The hole then allows harmful sun’s rays to reach the earth surface which have an effect on humans
The issue of greenhouse effects and the ozone depletion are two separate problem but they are interlinked. Warming at the earth surface is caused by certain gases that trap energy from the sun. Albarca (2000) notes that an increase in the amount of these gases produce an increase in surface temperature. The large increase is in the surface temperature. Thus the greenhouse effect allows the higher atmosphere where ozone is present to cool. This means that more stratospheric clouds may form and so make the ozone hole worse. Because we more concerned by increasing food production, we tend to forget that we are changing the environment in small simple steps.
Moreover, trees are needed for the photosynthesis, where they use carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to make their own food and release oxygen. But as human, deforestation is dominant especially in rural areas but the process is creeping into the urban areas. Handwerk (2000) notes that, ever since humans learned to use fire, half a million years ago, they have not only obtained energy from burning things, but they have also produced smoke and gases such as carbon dioxide (C02) which pollute the atmosphere. Due to high demand of energy vast pieces of land are being cleared every day in order to get firewood. This results in abundance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere because of the unavailability of trees. The pollution throw off the delicate balance of global temperature, which is regulated by the greenhouse effect.
Because we more concerned with our well-being, effects of this slow process start to show. The ultraviolet light has an effect on plants. Physiological and the development process of the plants are affected by ultraviolet radiation. This will lead to a low productivity or output of the field. Phytoplankton from the foundation of aquatic food web are affected. Exposure to the solar UVB radiation affect both the orientation mechanisms and motility in phytoplankton, resulting in reduced survival rates of these organisms thus directly causing a decline in productivity hence affecting the whole food web.
The depletion of the ozone hole has an adverse impact on agriculture and forestry. Crop species which include wheat, rice, barley and oats if affected by the ultraviolet radiation there is reduction in growth, photosynthesis and flowering. Thus this in turn reduce agricultural output. Plant growth, especially in seedlings, is harmed by more intense UV radiation.
However despite of all these effect induced by the tearing up of the ozone layer, humans are trying to slow down this process. Albarca (2000) elaborates further on the issue of humans using more eco-friendly ways of reducing the emission of the carbon gas from cars by using a simple way of transportation such as biking.
In addition, mankind is turning to eco-friendly way of producing electricity. Hydro-electrical power plants are being set up to stop the emission of carbon into the atmosphere, for instance in Zimbabwe we have the Kariba Hydropower Station. Dams are being set up to act as a reservoir for water which will be used in the production of electricity. The sun as the source of energy, it is now being used up to produce electricity. Solar power is now used as an alternative. Thus by so doing the ozone is conserved.
Due to the concern about the negative effects of the CFCs on the ozone layer, in 1978 the U.S.A government put forth an Act that banned the use of CFC’s as propellants in aerosol cans. Thus this is a positive measure taken by humans in trying to reduce ozone layer depletion. Regulation of all consumer products like hair sprays, and foam plastic products was done to reduce release of ozone-destroying chemicals. Proper disposal of these products was initiated, heavy penalties and fines where put forth for those who broke the laws.
The 1978 Clean Air Act sets a schedule for ending production of chemicals that destroy stratospheric ozone. Chemicals that cause the most damage will be phased out first. In addition to requiring the phasing out of production of ozone-destroying chemicals, the Clean Air Act takes other types to protect the ozone layer. The law requires recycling of CFCs and labeling of products containing ozone-destroying chemicals. The 1978 Clean Air Act also encourages the development of "ozone-friendly" substitutes for ozone-destroying chemicals.
In conclusion, ozone is a naturally occurring chemical in the stratosphere that serves to protect the Earth. Human activities, though, have affected this protective layer. The use of CFC’s in aerosols, air conditioners, and refrigerators, just to name a few, has contributed to the destruction of protective ozone. The destruction of the ozone layer will have serious consequences for both humans and the environment.

REFERENCES 1. Brian Handwerk.,(2000)., What Happened to the Ozone Hole?., Retrieved in the National Geographic News Article. 2. Albarca J.F., (2000)., Skin cancer and ultraviolet-B radiation under the Antarctic ozone hole, Southern Chile. 3. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/ozone-layer.html accessed on March 12, 2015 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone layer accessed on 08 March 2015 5. http://www.theozonehole.com/ozonedestruction.htm accessed on 11 March 2015 6. http://www.theozonehole.com/askthescientist.htm accessed on 17 March 2015 7. http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/airpage.nsf/Webpage/RepairingOzone accessed on 15 March 2015