- Aerosols and the Composition of the Atmospheric Layer
- The Impact of Aerosols on Earth’s Ozone
- Addressing the Threats to Earth’s Ozone Layer
Earth is a planet in the solar system whose climate and environmental conditions can support human life. Currently, the primary energy source utilized by humans on Earth comes from radiation emitted by the sun. This radiation results from fusion reactions involving hydrogen and helium components on the sun.
The product of this reaction serves as the main energy source needed for daily necessities such as electricity, heat, and light, which support human life. However, this radiation can also be harmful when directly exposed to human skin due to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Therefore, Earth naturally possesses a protective layer that limits the entry of ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, known as the ozone layer.
The ozone layer in Earth’s atmosphere has protected humans from ultraviolet radiation for millions of years, but in recent times, there have been occurrences in modern human activities that cause damage to Earth’s ozone layer. This damage reduces the protection against UV radiation, which can lead to an excess of this radiation altering Earth’s climate temperature, a phenomenon we recognize as global warming.
One of the causes of ozone layer damage is a substance known as aerosols. Naturally, ozone experiences depletion through the catalytic cycles of oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, and bromine. However, the use of certain substances from human activities, such as CFCs, halons, methyl bromide, and other compounds, has the potential to accelerate ozone depletion.
Aerosols and the Composition of the Atmospheric Layer
Aerosols, essentially, refer to certain substances that are suspended in the air. They can also be defined as small solid particles in the air, often referred to as ash. Naturally, aerosols can disperse into the atmosphere through various processes, one of which is volcanic activity such as volcanic eruptions. On the other hand, aerosols can also be artificially released through human activities, such as forest burning, industrial gas emissions, pressurized spray cans, and emissions from fossil-fueled vehicles.
The ozone layer in Earth’s atmosphere is composed of O₃ molecules. These molecules are formed naturally through a reaction between Earth’s oxygen content and solar radiation, known as the photolysis reaction. This reaction occurs when oxygen (O₂) in Earth’s atmosphere breaks into oxygen atoms, which then recombine with O₂ to form O₃.
The Impact of Aerosols on Earth’s Ozone
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexel
The natural formation of the ozone layer can be disrupted by the presence of foreign compounds produced by human activities. CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) are one of the substances that were initially widely used by humans in air conditioning systems, such as ACs and refrigerators. When these compounds are released into the atmosphere, they are exposed to UV radiation, producing residues such as chlorine and bromine, which are highly reactive with oxygen atoms.
These residues form chlorine monoxide (ClO) and bromine monoxide (BrO), leaving behind oxygen molecules (O₂). This process hinders the formation of ozone (O₃), leading to ozone layer depletion. This is why the United States banned the use of CFCs in the 1970s. However, there are also natural factors that can contribute to ozone layer depletion.
Observations have recorded that the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 released 30 × 10¹² grams of aerosols into the atmosphere, causing a reduction in ozone layer thickness by up to 20% during the following spring. The sulfate content in the volcanic ash from the eruption can undergo complex reactions that result in ozone layer depletion.
Addressing the Threats to Earth’s Ozone Layer
In modern times, countries around the world have begun to promote regulations and policies aimed primarily at reducing pollution caused by human activities. Indonesia itself has implemented a program called the Blue Sky Program. This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Environment in 1996, focuses on reducing emissions from mobile sources (such as motor vehicles) as well as stationary sources (such as factories and industrial areas).
The measures taken include implementing environmentally friendly technology in motor vehicles, vehicle inspections to ensure that the exhaust emissions meet standards, and educating the public on the use of alternative eco-friendly fuels. Additionally, there is an international agreement known as the Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987 and joined by various countries, which has so far been one of the most successful environmental treaties.
This agreement aims to phase out the use of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform, while encouraging the use of alternative energy sources. Furthermore, the participating countries are required to gradually reduce and ultimately cease the production of ozone-depleting substances according to the established timelines.
Meanwhile, developing countries are given longer timeframes to adapt economically and technologically, along with international cooperation that provides funding to help them transition to alternative technologies. So far, the Montreal Protocol has shown promising progress; research suggests that the ozone layer has begun to recover gradually and is expected to return to normal by the mid-21st century if implementation continues as planned.
As a partner in emissions management and carbon-based initiatives, IML Carbon’s team of experts is ready to provide deeper insights through online consulting services. This service can help in developing sustainability strategies that are in line with current regulations and environmental challenges.
Author: Nadhif
Editor: Sabilla Reza
References
Budiwati,T.,Setyawati,W.2009.”Pengaruh Aerosol dan Awan pada Ozon Total di Indonesia”. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Penelitian, Pendidikan, dan Penerapan MIPA. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta.
Salma,H.2024.”Analisis Kualitas Udara Akibat Aktivitas Truk Batubara di Provinsi Jambi”.Jurnal Sains dan Sains Terapan, 2(1): 33-39