How does ozone depletion relate to climate change and global warming?

Answer 1

Ozone depletion is the phenomenon where ozone gas (O3) in the stratosphere is broken down into oxygen molecules (O2) by certain long-lived pollutants released into the atmosphere by humans. Chloroflourocarbons (CFC's) which used to be commonly used as refrigerants and propellants in aerosol sprays were the worst offenders. The ozone gas in the stratospheric ozone layer is important in protecting the earth from excess UV light, which can damage the DNA of living organisms, and cause cancer. The Montreal Protocol, in 1988, was an international agreement that let to the phase-out of most ozone-depleting substances, and the ozone layer is projected to recover sometime this century.

Climate change (which is synonymous with global warming) is caused by the build-up of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane in the atmosphere . These gases prevent radiant energy reflected from the earth's surface from escaping into space, and result in the "greenhouse effect". While the greenhouse effect keeps the earth at a temperature that is suitable for life, and minimizes drastic temperature changes between night and day, excess greenhouse gases will disrupt human and natural systems that have evolved to thrive in the old climate. Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere continue to rise, and emissions are projected to increase throughout the next century unless dramatic action is taken on an international scale.

Some of the chemicals that cause ozone depletion are the same as those that cause climate change (like CFC's.) But other than the fact that they are both caused by emissions of gases into the atmosphere and occur on a global scale, they are two completely different things.

Answer 2

Global warming is at the fore front because politicians found how to use a new platform to get re-elected. The world leadersuse it because they found ways to make money at it. This is a made up problem just like Global Cooling in the 1970's. Wake up people. I agree we need to be more efficient with our resources, and we should fine and jail companies who are dumping into our rivers maliciously. I want to stop the raiforest destruction, but to say that global warming is a serious man made issue and we need to destroy the American economy and bow down to the rest of the world certainly does not float my boat. Follow the money on this one and you will see that it is all for political gain and grant money for those scientists who profit off of the government if global warming stays at the front of the issues. Look deep into the Keoto (sp?) Treaty, first of all they took jets to a non-central resort location. Not very environmentally concious. THen in the parameters of the treaty they have a clause that makes it so you can buy or sell polution credits. This is all about shifting wealth and breaking down the United States. This is painfully obvious, just look at peoples agenda. The earth's mean temperature has risen .6 degrees C in the past 125 years. Greenland's icecaps have gotten colder in the past 10 years. The Scientists who do not gain anything on their posisition will tell you that the earth has a natural progression and this is what we are seeing. The UN report is made up of POLITICIANS not a good spread of scientists. THere are as many or more scientists who believe that man in NOT the reason and it is over hyped, but their voice is not heard in the LIberal Mainstream Media. This issue is 99% political, and an attempt to make the USA a socialist nation, and eventually communisim. WAKE UP AMERICA, IT IS TIME TO BE AMERICANS. FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE. STOP THE LIES

Answer 3

ozone depletion has nothing to do with global warming. It is a whole seperate problem by itself.
Ozone is special kind of molecule that occurs in certain conditions like the atmosphere. It is O3. Not like O2 found in the air. This molecule is important in blocking the harmful radiation from (mostly) sun and outer space. When this layer is depleted, mostly due to its reaction with chlorine (produced by many factories), ozone, is converted into oxygen, this creates "holes" in the ozone, through where harmful radiation can enter earth. Radiation can cause mutation in your skin cells, which could lead to cancer.
In Australia, where ozone has many big "holes", has a very high rate of skin cancer.

Answer 4

Ozone has nothing to do with global warming. There seems to be a growing belief on YA that the two are somehow connected. This is not true.

Answer 5

There are no depletion with the ozone layer that affect u. The holes are at the north and south poles.

Answer 6

alot. try this... look outside on a clear day stare at something white for a few seconds then close your eyes quick. they feel warm? right? well, now do that with sunglasses. raw uv light is nasty.