How Big a Deal is the Ozone Layer Hole?
We've all heard of the ozone layer hole. What's that all about? The ozone layer is essential to our existence on earth. At ground level, ozone is a pollutant, as was mentioned on the air and water quality page (link). But in the stratosphere the ozone layer protects people, animals, and plants by filtering out the sun’s harmful UV rays. That sounds like an essential function, doesn’t it? And it is! So what about the “holes” in the ozone layer that we’ve all heard about? That can’t be good, can it? As with most environmental issues, you’ve likely only heard one side of things—I know that until I looked into it more, I had no idea there was really no cause for concern regarding the holes in the ozone layer! In his original Eco-Hysteria audio CD, Dr. Jay Wile shares his scientific viewpoint about the ozone layer hole (or holes). The cause of the holes is a class of compounds we’ve all heard of called chloro flouro hydrocarbons—or CFC’s for short. CFC’s were first introduced for use in the 1960’s and were considered wonder chemicals. CFC’s provide the most efficient refrigeration known to man. Moreover, CFC’s replaced ammonia as chemical of choice for refrigeration. Ammonia is a toxic gas whereas CFC’s are completely non-toxic—you could drink a glass of CFC’s and experience no harm! CFC’s were also found to be very useful for sterilization of surgical instruments, and in firefighting. Dr. Wile goes on to explain that CFC’s are non-toxic because they are largely inert—that is, they do not react with most things. One thing they do react with, however is ozone. Another characteristic of CFC’s is that they are very heavy. So how do they even get up into the ozone to cause problems? Well, it turns out that there is a weather phenomenon at both the North and South Poles called a vortex which thrusts the CFC’s that have accumulated at the earth’s surface up to the ozone layer. This phenomenon is more pronounced at the South Pole which accounts for the bigger “hole” there. Important to note is that the “holes” are stationary, and when the vortex is over, the CFC’s leave the ozone layer. | So just how big is this so-called ozone layer hole? Quite surprising to me, given how I had heard it portrayed, the “hole” is not a hole at all! Rather it’s an area of thinning. Okay, but it must be significant thinning, right? Wrong! It’s just a matter of 5%! The ozone “hole” at the South Pole is really just an area where the ozone layer is 5% thinner than we’d expect it to be! Combine this with the knowledge that the ozone layer naturally varies by 50%, and the “hole” seems even less significant! On top of that the “holes” are over areas where there is little life anyway. It becomes apparent once again, that things are not always what they seem—especially in the presentation of environmental issues! CFC’s have been banned for several years now (Dr. Wile’s CD was recorded before the year 2000). I don’t know what’s been used to replace them or if they’ve found anything as effective or not. The point, as I see it however, is not so much about that as it is to note that common sense explanations such as Dr. Wile gave on his recording are sorely missing in mainstream media’s presentation of environmental issues. Cries of alarm ring out—about global warming (and conversely, global cooling). About lack of resources and too many people. About a hole in the ozone. For each of these supposed crises it turns out there is another perspective, pertinent facts that are not talked about in mainstream media. That is a little irritating to me, but it’s besides the point. The point is that the world is okay, that we don’t have to go into a panic at each new headline. Life is good!
|
