Every time 1% of the ozone layer is depleted, 2% more IJV-B is able to reach the surface of the planet. So in short, without the ozone layer everything on earth will burn. The ozone layer is Just as important to us as oxygen, without it the harmful UV radiation would give us server burns and destroy our delicate ecosystems. Even though there is hard evidence that proves that ozone depletion is harmful for organisms on earth, there are a few groups who think that the ozone layer is a “myth” aka doesn’t exist, others say that with or without the ozone layer life on earth will ontinue.
But, they are wrong! Credibility: According to Dr. Jack Fisherman, senior research scientist in the Science Directorate at NASA Langley Research Center, “Despite emission controls that have resulted in notable reductions in many American cities, 03 concentrations in non-urban areas in both the U. S. and around the world are increasing, with negative impacts to all living things. ” In determining that the depletion of the ozone layer is bad for the humans, plants, and animals. A Brief summary of what the ozone is and how it’s being depleted.The ozone layer is layer 10 meters above earth’s surface. It is made up of 3 oxygen atoms and it protects us from radiation by reflecting most of the harmful radiation back into the atmosphere.
However, human activities have been changing the chemistry of the atmosphere in a way that reduces the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. The new chemical created by man is called Chlorofluorohydrocarbons aka CFCs. They were made for coolants in refrigerators and cleaning supplies. The CFCs react with the Oxygen in the ozone making it thinner through chemical reactions.CFCs last from 40 o 50 years constantly breaking up ozone molecules, which deplete the ozone layer allowing for more UV radiation to seep in. The UV radiation harms human’s eyes, skin and DNA.
Our bodies do absorb some of the harmful radiation but over time we have evolved enough to adapt to the amount that reaches us daily. However at the rate that the ozone is depleting, radiation will be seeping through and affecting us faster than the ozone can heal itself. 1. The effects of UV radiation on human skin are varied and widespread. It induces skin cancer by causing mutation in the DNA.
a.Changes in the DNA molecule often mean that protein-building enzymes cannot read the codes at the point on the molecule. As a result, distorted proteins can be made which makes cells die. 2.
UV rays suppress the bodys immune system. It interferer’s with a human’s response to herpes, skin lesion development, and even possibly harming the spleen. 3.
Our hair and clothing can protect our skin but not much can protect our eyes from UV rays. Cataracts are the most common eye problem resulting from over exposure to UV rays. Another problem is called “snow blindness” which could be found in both umans and animals.Animals have similar problems as humans because they are affected the same way we are, such as the DNA mutation as well as the eye complications. However, the UV radiation does not only effect the land animals, it is able to reach the euphotic zone in the ocean.
1. Radiation can reach beyond the surface of the water to affect the DNA in marine organisms living in the shallow water. For example, it can mutate embryos in sea urchins creating defects when born and thus making them a weaker organism compared to others. a. Mutated cells+ weaker organisms, = extinction of pecies b.You may say bring up the fact of evolution and natural selection but at the rate of over exposure to UV radiation, some species wont be able to bounce back as quickly as the ozone can repair itself. Plants are even more susceptible to over exposure to UV radiation because they don’t have as many ways to protect themselves like humans or animals do.
1. The radiation impairs plants ability to photosynthesize. 2. Reduces the size, productivity, and quality in plant species.
This has been studied in major crops such as rice, soybeans, wheat, cotton and corn. 3.A lot of the studies on plants come from the marine phytoplankton growing in Antarctica where the biggest ozone hole exists. Phytoplankton experience similar mutations at a faster rate due to the fact that most UV radiation hits that spot due to the ozone hole.
Plants are at the base of every food chain, land and sea, and they can be easily mutated by the radiation. Mutated plants can damage the animals that eat them and also damage humans that eat both animals and plants. Same goes for the sea organisms. Conclusion: I have discussed with you all that the depletion of the ozone is harmful to humans, nimals and plants.The ozone layer is diminishing on a daily basis and this affects everything on earth.
As more UV radiation spills into our atmosphere we will see more cases mutated plant DNA, or decrease in crop production. This would then affect animals that eat those plants and therefore damaging humans who are at the top of the food chain taking in all the mutated plants and animals affected by the radiation. The ozone layer is the only thing that protects us from the UV radiation, and without the ozone we would not be able to sustain life on earth for too long.