Ózoncsökkenés

Ózoncsökkenés refers to the depletion of the ozone layer, a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ozone layer is crucial for life on Earth as it protects us from harmful UV-B and UV-C rays.

The primary cause of ozone depletion is the release of certain manufactured chemicals into the atmosphere, most notably chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. These compounds, once widely used in refrigerants, aerosols, and fire extinguishers, are very stable and can persist in the atmosphere for decades. When they reach the stratosphere, UV radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms. These atoms then act as catalysts in chemical reactions that destroy ozone molecules.

The most significant manifestation of ozone depletion is the "ozone hole" that forms seasonally over Antarctica. While the ozone layer is thinning globally, the Antarctic ozone hole is a particularly severe area of depletion.

The consequences of ozone depletion include increased exposure to harmful UV radiation at the Earth's surface. This can lead to a higher incidence of skin cancer and cataracts in humans, as well as damage to crops and marine ecosystems.

International efforts, particularly the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, have been successful in phasing out the production and consumption of many ozone-depleting substances. As a result, the ozone layer is showing signs of recovery, and the ozone hole is expected to gradually shrink over the coming decades. However, continued monitoring and compliance with international agreements are essential for its full restoration.