Since man became conscious of the existence of the Ozone layer and its protective functionalities, the need to create awareness on how to protect it from depleting has been a major cause for concern.
Owing to this, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16th of September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date in 1987 on which the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone layer was signed.
Yearly, lectures are held to mark the day; different seminar topics are picked and discussed. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Save O3ur Sky: Ozone friendly planet, our target.”
The ozone layer (also called ozone shield) is a region of earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
It contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in relation to other gases in the stratosphere.
The main cause of ozone depletion is man-made chemicals, in particular man-made halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam-blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs), HCFCs, freons, halons), referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
Apart from the chemicals that are known to contribute to the denudation of the ozone layer, man’s activities are also a contributing factor to the depletion of the layer.
Some of the unhealthy environmental activities of man that adds to the deterioration of the ozone are – bush burning, fumes from domestic and industrial generators, pipeline vandalization, emission of gases from industrial plants etc.
Regardless of the “good reasons” of man indulging and engaging in the above activities, the resultant malignant and harmful effect(s) of such activities on our health, environment, economy and psychology are always massive.
Health-wise, the depletion of the ozone layer causes ailments such as skin cancer, eye cataract, suppression of the immune system, and the excessive production of melanin. The health hazards are by no means exhaustive.
Our darling environment is by no means left out of the “destructive party”. The overwhelming cases of flooding, infertility of farmlands, damage in the topographical structure of the environment are the obviously an aftermath of the depletion.
The economic health of any country cannot be stable and productive if the environment and human resources are affected. For instance, Florida experienced one of the deadliest hurricanes ever in recent times. From reports, it was gathered that at least 83% of businesses were put on hold for the duration of the disaster.
Coming down to Nigeria, the effect of the depletion of the ozone layer on the environment has in no small way contributed to the fall in economic performance.
With the recurring cases of flooding, farmers have begun to record losses in quality and quantity of farm produce; this has a trickling effect on the availability and cost of these produce in the market.
Also, in the Niger Delta region of the country, the aftermath of pipeline vandalisation and explosions are contributing factors to ozone depletion; this in turn causes loss of livelihood, poor environmental conditions, poor feeding, polluted water etc.
On the macro level, the incessant and indiscriminate bombing of oil ridges and pipelines has led to a drop in the production of crude oil meant for export and internal consumption.
Countries around the world are not only aware of the destructive tendencies of the depletion of the ozone layer, but are doing all in their capacity to assuage its effects. Are their efforts enough?
Although, some countries still rely on the Montreal Protocol agreement of 1987, however, the question remains: To what extent do they ensure strict adherence of this policy, especially on the issue of enforcement.
This is a clarion call to The National Environmental Standards Regulation and Enforcement Agency ( NESREA ), Nigerian Meteorological Agency ( NIMET ), and other relevant agencies on the need to ensure control and compliance to industrial and production standards for the manufacturing of substances, flaring of gases and ethical responsibilities of the citizens to the environment like indiscriminate disposal of refuse, bush burning, deforestation, spraying of aerosol propellants etc.
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