Clean Air, Climate Change and Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
Clean air, climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion are all part of a family of air-related issues.
As part of this family they share a number of similarities, or linkages, including:
- The importance of air and the atmosphere as a place of action or movement
- Numerous pollutants and pollutant sources that contribute to these issues
- The impact on and concern for our health, environment and economy
- Our role in being part of both the problem and solution.
It is important to understand the similarities and differences between clean air, climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion, especially as we hear about them in the news, experience them in our own lives, and try to make sense of it all. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and confusing, but it doesn't have to be.
Understanding the similarities can lead to opportunities that address, or co-benefit, all of these issues at the same time with the same approaches and policies.
Clean Air
Clean air issues, such as smog and acid rain, are issues that primarily influence the lowest part of the atmosphere, which is also the zone of air we breathe. Clean air is compromised by the presence of air pollutants that come from a variety of sources such as industries and our vehicles, and can have significant direct and indirect impacts on our health, the environment and the economy. These impacts may be experienced in the area near the source or sources of the pollution. Alternatively, some pollutants can be transformed and transported great distances by the wind, even across political boundaries, before falling back to the ground, water or within our communities.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to changes in the climate or long-term, average weather for a particular location. Climate change can be caused by natural processes, such as the change in the sun’s strength, and also by human activities, in particular those that alter the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the build-up of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Collectively, GHGs act like a blanket and trap heat that comes from the earth. This blanket effect is natural and an essential part of life on earth. However, atmospheric concentrations of GHGs have grown significantly since pre-industrial times largely because of fossil fuel use and permanent forest loss, and are leading to accelerated changes in our climate. Wind patterns, precipitation, storm events, and temperatures will all be affected and will, in turn, impact life on earth.
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
Stratospheric ozone depletion refers to the degradation of the earth's ozone layer and its ability to shield ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Earth’s surface. Pollutants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), destroy ozone (O3) in the stratosphere. These pollutants were more widely used in the past, but continue to be accidentally released from refrigeration and air conditioning systems, or come from using some solvents and foams.
The result is a thinning of the ozone layer, particularly in the Polar Regions. Any loss of ozone in the stratosphere will allow more ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth's surface, which has many significant impacts on human and environmental health, such as increased incidence of sun burns.
Stratospheric ozone depletion is a different issue than ground level ozone. In the case of stratospheric ozone, the concern is the loss of ozone in the upper atmosphere which protects us from ultraviolet radiation. However, the concern for ground level ozone is quite the opposite as we wish to reduce its abundance in the lower atmosphere. Ground level ozone degrades our air quality, impacting human and plant health, and is major component of smog. Unfortunately, ground level ozone cannot move or be shipped to the stratosphere.
Air Issues Matrix
Below is a table that highlights some important similarities and differences between clean air, climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion. This table is not exhaustive and does not fully reflect the complexities of each issue. Follow the links for more detailed information.
Clean Air | Climate Change |
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion |
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General Issue Description | ||
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Impacts on Human Health and the Environment | ||
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Key Pollutants | ||
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Pollution Sources | ||
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Time Scale of Effect (see Linking Today into Tomorrow) | ||
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For further information on understanding the linkages between Ozone Depletion and Climate Change: