OZONE DEPLETION CAUSES, EFFECTS, CONTROLLING PROGRAMMES AND ITS RECOVERY (English Edition)

Thinning of Antarctic ozone layer during spring season has been observed since 1980s, largest depletion occurred during the period between 1980 and 2000. Incoming UV (particularly UVB & UVC) during the Antarctic spring causes deleterious effects such as cataract, skin burns, melanoma, reduction in agricultural food production and climatological changes. After 1987 Montreal protocol significant efforts are made mainly by UNEP, WMO and WHO to reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone depleting substances (ODS), protocol established an international time frame on reducing the use of ODS. Multilateral funds were made available to developing countries to get rid of ODS under this programme. Resent readings reviled the size of the ozone hole is now 9.3 million square miles in September, 2014 this is smaller than the past years where it was 11.5 million square miles in September, 2000 and complete recovery is expected by 2070.