April 16th, 2009 Ozone Depletion: A Growing Concern
You may have heard about the formation of holes in the ozone layer and the potential risk of exposure to ultraviolet light. What you have heard is no myth. The FACT remains that ozone depletion is occurring and with that comes many negative consequences. But what exactly is ozone depletion and what consequences can we expect to experience?
Ozone depletion is the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer which protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation. The stratosphere extends 30 miles above the earth and contains a gas formed by three atoms of oxygen, commonly known as ozone. 90 percent of ozone is contained within the stratosphere. The ozone is present in order to absorb harmful sun rays before they reach the earth.