Good morning to all gathered here.

Today I am going to speak on the topic

ozone layer depletion. But first can anyone say what is ozone? Ozone is a
colourless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odour and powerful oxidizing
properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It
differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O 3).even
though it can regenerate in a faster pace, we humans have caused several
damage to it. The main damage to it is by using fast-food cartons, cavity-wall
insulation, and as the fluid in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Now that I have spoken about CFCs lets know better about it.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a family of chemical compounds developed back
in the 1930's as safe, non-toxic, non-flammable alternative to dangerous
substances like ammonia for purposes of refrigeration and spray can propellants.
Their usage grew enormously over the years. One of the elements that make up
CFCs is chlorine. Very little chlorine exists naturally in the atmosphere. But it
turns out that CFCs are an excellent way of introducing chlorine into the ozone
layer. The ultraviolet radiation at this altitude breaks down CFCs, freeing the
chlorine. Under the proper conditions, this chlorine has the potential to destroy
large amounts of ozone. This has indeed been observed, especially over
Antarctica. As a consequence, levels of genetically harmful ultraviolet radiation
have increased.

The depletion of ozone layer caused damage to all living cells, whether microbes,
plants or animals, contain a complex molecule called DNA which carries the
genetic code. This is the set of instructions which describes the structure and
biochemistry of an organism. Unfortunately, DNA readily absorbs high-energy UV-
B radiation and becomes damaged so that the instructions cannot be read
properly. If the amount of UV-B entering the cell increases (as during the ozone
hole), the risk of damage also increases and may result in malfunction or death
of the organism. Some Antarctic organisms such as algae, lichens and mosses
also contain a pigment called chlorophyll. This absorbs visible light as the energy
source of photosynthesis for making organic compounds. Chlorophyll also
absorbs UV-B light so that the system becomes bleached and non-functional.
Even enzymes and other proteins are damaged by this high-energy radiation.
Living organisms therefore have to protect themselves from UV-B. Humans can
cover their skin with artificial sunscreens, but natural protection systems have
also evolved.

The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement which was drawn up in

September 1987. It originally aimed to half the use of CFCs by 1999. However,
reviews of the protocol held in 1990 in London and 1992 in Copenhagen imposed
more stringent controls, so that all production of CFCs, CCl4 and halons should
cease by the year 2000. Many countries have even agreed to stop using CFCs
before this deadline. Production of other ozone depleting gases is to stop in the
early years of the 21st century.
The only way to med the ozone hole is to stop releasing CFCs and other ozone
depleting gases into the atmosphere. The restrictions of the Montreal Protocol
and its extensions are helping to do this.