HUMANS will be directly exposed to the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun due to the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer in the world.
This might result in serious health issues among humans, such as skin diseases, cancer, sunburns, cataracts, quick aging, and weak immune system; this is according to Carbonfund.org as the globe observes the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
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Stratospheric ozone, also known as the ozone layer, is a layer of gas (O3) that partially shields the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the 20th century, the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) punched a giant hole in the ozone layer. The increased UV rays have led to higher rates of skin cancer and eye problems. The good news is that bans on CFCs have significantly slowed the growth of the ozone hole and curbed the damage to our planet.
By avoiding products and practices that damage the ozone layer and by fighting for more action from the government and industries, you can help the ozone layer heal and help protect the earth.
Here are the changing habits that can be done by humans to protect the Ozone Layer:
- Drive less: Nitrous oxide is now the largest ozone-depleting substance released by human activities (as well as a potent greenhouse gas), and it is produced in the internal combustion that powers most cars. In the U.S., about 5% of all nitrous oxide pollution comes from vehicles. To reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide your car produces, consider:
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- Car pooling
- Public transport
- Walking
- Biking
- Driving a hybrid or electric car
- Neutralize your vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions with a Carbon Offset.
- Eat less meat: Nitrous oxide is also produced when manure decomposes, making poultry, beef, and dairy farms large producers of the gas.
- Buy local: The further your food or other goods have to travel to reach you, the more nitrous oxide will be produced by the engines that bring them to you. Buying locally is not only a great way to find the freshest produce; it will also protect the ozone layer.
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