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What is the Ozone Layer?
Region in Earth's stratosphere with high ozone (O₃) concentration; absorbs harmful UV radiation.
What are Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)?
Chemicals that break down ozone molecules, thinning the ozone layer.
What are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?
ODS used in refrigerants, aerosols, and foam products.
What are Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?
Transitional ODS replacement for CFCs, still harmful to ozone.
What are Halons?
ODS used in fire extinguishers.
What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Chemicals used as ODS alternatives; potent greenhouse gases.
What is the ozone layer?
Region in Earth's stratosphere with high ozone (O₃) concentration; absorbs harmful UV radiation.
What are Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)?
Chemicals that break down ozone molecules, thinning the ozone layer (e.g., CFCs, HCFCs, halons).
What are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?
ODS used in refrigerants, aerosols, and foam products; major cause of ozone depletion.
What are Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?
Transitional replacement for CFCs; still harmful to the ozone layer.
What are Halons?
ODS used in fire extinguishers; contribute to ozone depletion.
What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Chemicals used as replacements for ODS; do not deplete ozone but are potent greenhouse gases.
What is the Montreal Protocol?
International treaty to phase out ODS production and consumption.
Define UV radiation.
Harmful radiation from the sun that the ozone layer absorbs.
Define greenhouse gas.
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Define mitigation.
Actions taken to reduce the severity of environmental problems.
Why is the ozone layer important?
Protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation, preventing skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to ecosystems.
Explain the impact of increased UV radiation.
Higher risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to plants and marine life.
What makes the Montreal Protocol a success story?
It has been incredibly successful, and the ozone layer is on track to recover by the mid-21st century.
Why are HFCs an environmental issue?
They are potent greenhouse gases with high thermal retention properties, contributing to climate change.
What is the role of chlorine/bromine in ozone depletion?
They act as catalysts, destroying ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
Explain the connection between energy efficiency and ozone depletion.
Reducing energy consumption lowers fossil fuel use, which can indirectly contribute to ODS emissions.
Describe the limitations of the Montreal Protocol.
While successful in phasing out ODS, it led to the widespread use of HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases.
Explain the concept of 'transitional replacement' in the context of ODS.
HCFCs were used as a transitional replacement for CFCs, but they still have ozone-depleting potential.
What is the significance of global cooperation in addressing ozone depletion?
The Montreal Protocol demonstrates that international cooperation can effectively address environmental problems.
How does ozone depletion affect marine ecosystems?
Increased UV radiation disrupts marine food chains and damages marine life.