Many people confuse the large void in the ozone layer with global warming. Can you distinguish between the two phenomena? Discuss the causes of each. Explain how each process may harm living things

 

Global warming is one of the factors that generate climate change. It consists of the increase in the temperature of the earth's surface, generated by the accumulation of greenhouse gases. Global warming has existed in other times on Earth, it is a phenomenon that can be generated naturally. But according to 20th century measurements, never before in history has such a drastic and accelerated increase in temperature been experienced. and this is mainly caused by the action of man and the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Which cause the solar radiation that we perceive in the form of heat to be trapped on the earth's surface. Which raises the global temperature to levels higher than normal. When we talk about climate change, global warming and the effects of climate are included.

Some scientists claim that global warming is a cyclical and natural process that would happen even without the presence of humans on earth and the truth is that it could be true. But, studies claim that human influence accelerates this process and aggravates it.

For human beings and all life on earth this is a serious problem. The change in temperature could mean an increase in the oceans, an increase in desert areas, hurricanes, tsunamis, loss of crops, a decrease in fresh water sources.

On the other hand, the vacuum in the ozone layer is a completely different but related process. The ozone that protects us from solar radiation has a natural life cycle. During this life cycle, natural processes destroy and regenerate ozone in the atmosphere. Staying at stable levels for millions of years. This stability is one of the main factors that gave way to life on earth.

Chlorofluorocarbons that are then converted to chlorine naturally are the main responsible for the destruction of ozone. The problem is that humans produce products that contain chlorofluorocarbons and they are released directly into the atmosphere. Causing a more accelerated destruction of ozone. Low temperatures also accelerate the destruction of ozone, which is why the area where the hole in the ozone layer is located is Antarctica, where low temperatures and high incidence of light accelerate the conversion of chlorofluorocarbons to chlorine, which leads to further depletion of ozone in the atmosphere.

Now, why are these processes often confused or related?

Global warming is a cause and effect of the depletion of the ozone layer. The larger the hole in the ozone layer, the higher the temperature because more radiation penetrates to the earth's surface. This increase in surface temperature causes the temperature in the stratosphere to decrease. The lower the temperature, the greater the amount of ozone-damaging chlorine. And as ozone decreases, the temperature increases. Both processes are closely related. Also one of the solutions to reduce the emission of chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere was to add hydrogen to these products, converting the emissions into hydrofluorocarbons. Which do not directly attack ozone, but do cause a greenhouse effect, so they help increase the temperature.

Since the ozone layer is responsible for filtering UV radiation from the sun. The lower the amount of ozone, the greater the radiation absorbed by the earth and living beings.

This ration can cause cancer, immune system problems, respiratory and vision problems. It also affects animals and plants.