What is the History of the Ozone Layer?
Hundreds of millions of years ago, only single cell organisms existed on Earth and the planet lacked the oxygen that is needed in order for our survival.  Through photosynthesis as these organisms evolved they began to release small amounts of oxygen.  Over millions of years, this led to the creation of the ozone layer.

What is the Ozone Layer?
Our atmosphere is split into layers.  The troposphere is where we live.  Above that is the stratosphere.  While ozone exists to some degree in all of the layers most of it (about 90%) is produced naturally in the stratosphere.

By acting like a filter or a web the ozone layer plays a very important part in protecting us from most of the sun’s harmful radiation.  It traps harmful radiation while still allowing heat from the sun to reach the Earth.

Scientists believe that without it we would most likely die.  We would quickly suffer intense radiation burns.  We would be forced to find a way to safeguard ourselves by wearing clothing made from special protective material or by living underground.  A lot of the plant life that humans and animals depend on would die out, making food sources extremely scarce.

What is Ozone?
Ozone is a type of oxygen.  Unlike the oxygen we need to breathe, it’s a poisonous gas.  Ozone in the stratosphere is good and performs a vital function but ozone at ground level is bad.

Do we Affect the Ozone Layer?
The ozone layer begins about six miles above us and extends to around 30 miles above.  Scientific records show that until the 1970s, its level remained fairly stable.

There have always been factors such as the seasons, weather conditions and solar cycles which affect its density, but these are all part of a natural cycle where ozone is continually formed, destroyed and formed again.

In the 1970s scientists discovered that this natural balance had been upset and that the ozone layer was being depleted.  Ozone was being destroyed at a faster rate than it was being naturally produced.  Research determined that much of the damage was being caused by man-made chemicals, most of which had been introduced since the 1920s.

What is the Montreal Protocol?
In 1985, scientists with the British Antarctic Survey discovered a “hole” in the ozone layer over Antarctica.  Two years later over 20 countries signed an international agreement, known as the Montreal Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol called for the phasing out of ozone depleting chemicals, including CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) thought to be responsible for damage to the ozone layer.  Many other countries have since signed up to the agreement and it has proved to be extremely successful.   Former UN General Secretary, Kofi Annan, described it as probably the most successful international agreement ever signed.

What is Being Done to Protect the Ozone Layer?
The phasing out of ozone depleting substances (ODS) is helping to fight climate change since many ODS are also powerful greenhouse gases.

Now that ozone levels are constantly monitored experts predict that by 2070, the ozone layer will have returned to pre-1980 levels.  It’s expected to take this long to “repair” itself because the chemicals which caused the damage remain in the stratosphere for many years.

How Does it Affect Us?
It was suggested that higher concentrations of ozone at ground level could affect people’s health and history has shown that ozone is now known to be a main ingredient of today’s city smog and aggravates conditions like asthma, bronchitis and lung disease.

Scientists in America believe it has already led to an increase in the number of deaths from the most fatal form of skin cancer. and experts are concerned that new factors could continue to damage the ozone layer causing a slow down or even preventing its recovery.  Some scientists believe that global warming is likely to accelerate ozone depletion.

What are the Dangers of Lower Ozone Levels?
Low levels of solar UV are vital in the production of Vitamin D.  Without exposure to the sun, people would suffer from diseases linked to Vitamin D deficiency.  Too much UV exposure damages our DNA and causes skin cancer, causes damage to the eyes and scientists now believe that it affects the immune system, allowing people to become ill more easily.

There are also serious impacts for biodiversity.  Increased UV-B rays reduce levels of plankton in the oceans and subsequently diminish fish stocks.  It can also have adverse effects on plant growth resulting in reduced agricultural productivity.

What is The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer?

Celebrated on September 16 every year to focus on the importance of protecting human health and the environment.  On this day primary and secondary school educators throughout the world organize classroom activities that focus on topics related to the ozone layer, climate change and ozone depletion.  Some teachers use educational packages from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that have been specifically tailored to address topics about the earth’s ozone layer.

Other activities organized by different community groups, individuals, schools and local organizations across the world include: the promotion of ozone friendly products; special programs and events on saving the ozone layer. (http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/international-ozone-layer-preservation-day)

How are Trees Beneficial?
Trees are vital, nurturing forces which provide many benefits to our environment.  The air we breathe is improved by the presence of trees.  Trees absorb harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide and in turn give off oxygen.  They filter and trap pollutants such as smoke, dust and ash making our air cleaner.

Trees absorb water thus preventing flooding and also help disperse rainfall over a more even area.  By retaining water, trees help reduce the amount of topsoil that runs off into our sewers and streams.  Leaves on the ground, keep moisture close to the ground aiding growth and trapping chemicals keeping them out of lakes and rivers.

Trees help maintain our global environment by acting as enormous carbon sinks.  Trees absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere.  If there were no trees to perform this essential function, little could be done to alleviate the effects of global warming caused by the Greenhouse Effect.
Trees not only benefit our physical environment, but also attract birds and other wildlife.

Trees are also a source of medicine for the human race.  Many people, tired of chemical treatments, turn to trees and plants for assistance.

For instance the ginkgo tree dates back more than 300 million years and is the oldest know species of tree.  For centuries the Chinese have used tea made from ginkgo seeds as a cure for respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.  In more modern times, ginkgo leaf extract has been used as a treatment for a wide range of ailments such as Alzheimer’s and depression.  The Native Americans use Aspen bark for reducing fever and fighting influenza.  More recently, the medical community has taken more notice of the natural cures found all around us as herbology continues to grow in popularity.