How Can We Protect Ozone Layer and Reduce Green House Gases?
September 16, 2019 By: Amruta Kshemkalyani

Tribe, on the occasion of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on 16th September which is also known as Ozone Day; we are going to look at the simple changes we all can bring in our lifestyle to protect our Earth’s Ozone Layer.

Ozone depletion and the Ozone hole

We all know that the ozone layer works as a filter for the shorter wavelength and highly hazardous ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. This natural sunscreen protects life on Earth from the harmful effects of UV rays, therefore, the ozone layer is so important for our existence. The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

Around 1970s scientist found that the ozone layer is depleting faster than the natural rate. That was the same time when ozone-depleting substances (ODS), industrially produced synthetic chemicals were widely used around the world. In the 1980s, scientists discovered severe ozone depletion, which is known as ‘Ozone hole’ near both the poles. The ozone hole near the south pole above the Antarctic is the biggest. The ozone hole is seasonal phenomena, every year Ozone destruction peaks in early spring and ends by late spring or early summer. This is the reason why Australia and New Zealand have the highest rate of skin cancer. The article on The Conversation explains further how the ozone hole is made.

By the time researchers found the evidence which linked the depletion of the ozone layer to the presence of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halogen-source gases in the stratosphere; it was clear that the ozone layer is depleting significantly because of man-made chemicals.

Ozone Depletion and Green House Effect

Now, we need to understand another fact here that gases which cause ozone depletion also are greenhouse gases (GHG) which contribute to global warming. These gases when present in the stratosphere cause ozone depletion and when present in the troposphere or lower atmosphere act as greenhouse gases. Funnily when the ozone is present in troposphere, it acts as a greenhouse gas as well. This is the link between ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, which further contributes to global warming.

Montreal Protocol for Healing Ozone Layers

In 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed and adopted. This is the only UN treaty ever that has been ratified every country on Earth – all 197 UN Member States. The Montreal Protocol phases down the consumption and production of the different ODS in a step-wise manner, with different timetables for developed and developing countries. Under this protocol developed countries are working towards phasing out HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) & CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) by 2020 and 2030 for developing countries. Phasing down of HFC (hydrofluorocarbons) was also later added successfully to this treaty. With the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is projected to recover by the middle of this century. Here is a resource, if you are keen on finding more data on the ozone layer.

Selecting refrigerant with zero ODP (ozone depletion potential) and less GWP (global warming potential) is one of the common requirements of green buildings design (LEED/ Estidama etc) and is part of the Montreal Protocol implementation.

The Montreal Protocol is considered to be one of the most successful environmental agreements of all time. To date, the Parties to the Protocol have phased out 98% of ODS globally compared to 1990 levels. However, HFCs are used as alternatives to HCFCs and CFCs. They are now widespread in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, foams, etc and they are high GWP (global warming potential) gases. The countries are working towards reducing HFCs and other greenhouse gases however we all need to act to reduce these harmful greenhouse gases.

How can reduce Ozone Depletion and Green House Gas Emission?

A. Refrigerant:

If you own pre-1995 refrigerator, freezer or air-conditioning units, dispose of this equipment carefully. Contact local municipality for proper disposal measures as they contain the ozone depleting refrigerant.
Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances to prevent and minimize refrigerant leakage.
When motor vehicle air-conditioners need servicing, make sure that the refrigerants are properly recovered and recycled instead of being vented to the atmosphere.

B. Transportation:

Worldwide 15% of GHG emission is from transportation which includes CO2, Nitrous Oxide, etc, which contribute to Global Warming.

Use sustainable transport. You can use public transport or carpool with your colleagues.
You can invest in an electric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle.
Walk and use the bike more.
Buy local products, which don’t come from far off places and don’t add up CO2 (GHG) emissions just to reach you.

C. Furniture & Households

Buy wooden furniture and products which are not treated with methyl bromide, as they will off-gas bromine which is ODS. How to find this out? If the wood is stamped with MB, it is treated with methyl bromide.
Buy aerosol products like paints, solvents etc which do not use HCFCs or CFCs as propellants.
If your fire extinguisher contains “halon” or “halogenated hydrocarbon” then dispose at a hazardous waste disposal facility and invest in HFC-free fire-protection product.

D. Beauty and Cleaning Products

Many cleaning products contain solvents and substances corrosive.

Read labels and choose CFC-free hairsprays, deodorants, and household chemicals.
Opt for pump spray products over-pressurized cans
Use natural beauty products and natural cleaning products instead of store-bought.

E. Food:

Methane, a GHG is emitted from livestock waste and decaying organic material.

Reduce food waste, as the food waste emission directly contributes to GHG.
Eat less meat. Amazon forest is reducing in size because the land is getting used for Cattle farming. Cattle farming is replacing forests around the world which is reducing our Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2. Red meat production & distribution is also contributing significantly to GHG as it is highly water and energy-consuming industry.

F. Energy efficiency:

Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels, which adds to CO2 (GHG) emission. So try to use energy efficiently.

Use energy-efficient appliances
Read more Energy-saving tips

G. Water Efficiency:

Especially in UAE, the water comes from the high energy-consuming desalination process, so it is equally important to use water efficiently to indirectly reducing GHG emissions.

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