Sambhav-2025

Approach Briefly introduce the significance of the Ozone layer. Discuss the major causes of ozone layer depletion. Evaluate the impact of global initiatives. Discuss India’s alignment with Global efforts. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere (10-50 km above Earth), absorbs harmful UV radiation and protects life on Earth. It consists of ozone (O₃) molecules, formed when oxygen (O₂) interacts with solar radiation. Ozone layer depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone concentration due to human-made and natural factors.

Body

Major Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – Primary Cause
  • CFCs are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosol sprays, and foam-blowing agents.
  • Once released, they break down ozone molecules, creating the ozone hole over Antarctica (first detected in 1985).
• Halons and Bromine Compounds
  • Found in fire extinguishers and industrial solvents, halons are 10 times more destructive to ozone than CFCs.
  • Bromine is 60 times more effective at ozone destruction than chlorine.
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) & Methyl Bromide
  • HCFCs were introduced as a transitional substitute for CFCs but still harm ozone.
  • Methyl bromide, used as a pesticide, has a high ozone depletion potential (ODP).
• Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) – The Emerging Threat
  • Released from fertilizers, fossil fuels, and biomass burning, nitrous oxide has surpassed CFCs as the largest ozone-depleting gas.
    • A 2018 NASA study highlighted N₂O as the biggest long-term ozone threat.

Impact of Global Initiatives like the Montreal Protocol

• The Montreal Protocol (1987) – A Landmark Agreement
  • First global treaty to be universally ratified (by 198 countries).
  • Objective: Eliminate ODS like CFCs, HCFCs, and halons.
  • Success Stories:
    • 98% of ODS phased out globally (UNEP, 2022).
    • The ozone hole in Antarctica is shrinking (expected recovery by 2066, per WMO).
• The Kigali Amendment (2016) – Next Step in Ozone and Climate Action
  • Targets Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which do not deplete ozone but contribute to global warming.
  • Expected to reduce global warming by 0.5°C by 2100.
  • Countries committed to phasing down 85% of HFCs by 2047.
• Ongoing Challenges
  • Illegal production of banned substances: CFC-11 emissions detected in some countries despite the ban.
  • Developing countries face financial & technological barriers in transitioning to alternatives.

India’s Alignment with Global Efforts

• Early Adoption of the Montreal Protocol (1992)
  • India phased out CFCs by 2010 and is phasing out HCFCs by 2030, as per the Ozone-Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, in line with the Montreal Protocol's accelerated schedule
  • India's HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) led to a 35% reduction in HCFC use by 2020.
• National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP) (2019)
  • Aims to reduce cooling demand by 25-30% and refrigerant use by 85% by 2037-38.
  • Promotes energy-efficient cooling technologies and natural refrigerants like ammonia.
• Kigali Amendment Ratification (2021)
  • India pledged to reduce HFC consumption by 80% by 2047.

Conclusion

The Montreal Protocol has been a global success, reversing ozone depletion trends. India’s proactive measures, including policy alignment with global agreements, phase-outs of harmful substances, and promotion of sustainable cooling, demonstrate its commitment. However, continuous innovation and strict enforcement are needed to ensure full ozone recovery and climate-friendly alternatives.