Some good news, the Ozone Layer is recuperating
Often when nations come together to discuss some important matter which affects our planet and all its living things, humans included, the results are not always satisfactory. Lots of talking, multiple meetings, and then, in the end, nothing tangible is reached.
Universe image Gert Altmann
The Montreal Protocol
One of the exceptions to this general rule is the Montreal Protocol. They signed it on the 26 of August 1987. The reason for an environmental meeting in Montreal was to address substances that deplete the ozone layer and to see how and when a reduction of these harmful substances would be possible.
These dangerous substances, after having been released into the atmosphere through the venting of refrigeration gases, aerosol propellants, solvents, blowing agents for insulation foams, fire extinguishers, and a host of other items, were making the ozone hole bigger each year.
The ozone layer in our atmosphere is vitally important because it blocks some ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the surface of the earth. A particular UV called UV-B can increase the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and a suppressed immune system in humans. UV-B exposure can also damage terrestrial plant life, single-cell organisms, and aquatic ecosystems.
The Montreal Protocol entered into force on 16 September 1989, after the first meeting in May of the same year in Helsinki. New meetings followed over the years to see if all followed the measures taken and to discuss its effectiveness.
The fact that the ozone hole was getting bigger every year was very worrying. It is crucial for the survival of all living things on the planet, to have a good ozone layer. As mentioned, ozone blocks some UV-B but as the hole gets bigger, the increase in energy hitting the earth’s surface will also cause more ice to melt and that again causes additional problems for the total world.
If the arctic ice melts, it causes colossal problems for the animals living there.
Polar Bear image Margo Tanenbaum
The Antarctic versus the Arctic
One has to distinguish between the Antarctic, which is the South Pole to the Arctic, which is the North Pole. Animals that live in the Arctic include the reindeer, polar bear, arctic fox, narwhal, walrus, and musk ox.
Polar bears burrow into vast snowbanks to have their babies, then in the springtime, go hunting on the ice. If the ice is too thin, it is difficult for them to hunt. In summer, the ice might completely disappear, putting the survival of the polar bear at risk.
Animals that live In the Antarctic include the Adelie Penguins, Chinstrap Penguins, Leopard seal, Elephant seal, King Penguins, Emperor Penguin, and Killer Whales.
Group of Emperor Penguin image Siggy Nowak
By September 2006, 19 years after they signed the Montreal Protocol, the Antarctic ozone hole had grown to its largest extent ever, and that was worrying scientists and people alike. For 40 years, scientists had been warning of the dangers of ozone-depleting chemicals that would damage the ozone layer (which surrounds the earth).
The reduction of these harmful substances has brought to light a secondary but very important fact. Ozone-depleting substances are also very potent greenhouse gases. Reducing them has a positive result on the climate as well.
An interesting video on the Ozone layer.
The health of the Ozone layer and human health
In a 2015 report, it was mentioned that the Montreal Protocol will have a positive impact on human health. When the ozone layer is intact, it will prevent 280 million cases of skin cancer, 1.5 million skin cancer deaths, and 45 million cases of cataracts in the U.S.
What is the current state of the Ozone Hole? Well, the opinions vary. Some say it is getting smaller while others say there are no studies that can prove this.
Antarctic image Jim Simpson
The Ozone Hole is getting smaller?
It seems that the Antarctic ozone hole is slowly but surely reducing in size. This is good news and shows that the collective effort in reducing harmful chemicals has produced this positive fact.
Still, there is also bad news and scientist are still trying to find the reason or reasons for these phenomena. The ozone near the equator and in the middle latitudes of the globe continues to get thinner.
All this shows that there is still a considerable dis-balance and we cannot lower our guard. We have to realize a healthy ozone layer is vital for all living beings on this earth. We need it to survive.
Our modern inventions are harmful to the ozone layer
I think by now it is obvious to everybody that modern life inventions like fridges or air-conditioning, harms our environment and especially the ozone layer which protects us from harmful UV radiation. Up to now, we somehow know what we are confronting. Even if not enough is being done to maintain the ozone layer in a healthy state most people realize it is important.
Sadly, there is an imminent danger one hears nothing about. There currently are no studies available. Neither are there any studies in the making, and they set no funds aside to investigate. When you ask the question, “How will high-frequency microwave radiation affect the ozone hole.”, Wikipedia replies “The page How will high-frequency microwave radiation affect the ozone hole, does not exist.”
Why did I ask this question? Well, lately I have been writing about radiation in its different forms. From Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, smart meters, cell phones, and 3G and 4G in general. It all influences our health and already there are many documented cases of people so sensitive to all this radiation they have to move to areas that still are kind of radiation-free.
Cellular Tower image Lucas
Hundreds of studies on 3G and 4G
There are many studies on 3G and 4G warning for the harmful effects. We should protect especially babies and small children from these radiations. Sadly, big technology companies do not have our safety in mind. They always need to bring to the market new and more powerful things. It seems that the public demands this. They do not inform people about the health hazards and therefore people always want the latest available.
Even if all this does not sound good, each person still can decide to take part in this electronic race. To have the latest smartphone is not an absolute necessity to all people yet. At least you can choose to buy it or not, and you decide the amount of time you give to this electronic device. If you do not have it glued to your ear 24 hours a day, your brain will not suffer from constant radiation.
The Global threat of 5G
Something big is coming our way and with big, I do not mean good. We are on the verge of having 5G imposed upon us. We were not asked if we wanted this, and neither are we informed about the health hazards this new upgrade will present.
Companies would probably hide any negative information they might have on this new radiation but the fact is no studies exist. There are so many studies on the dangers of radiation, but it did not stop those companies from inventing more dangerous ones.
View this video and learn what radiation does to your health.
The contamination from satellite launches
20.000 satellites will be launched into Earth orbit in 2019. The launching of these satellites will cause environmental harm, as each launch will release ozone-destroying chemicals. Then, those satellites will be up there emitting their harmful 5G radiation.
Daily, they will send their harmful 5G radiation to the earth-penetrating the ozone layer. The ozone layer could end up looking like a Gruyere cheese. Just try to visualize this for a moment. I find it awful that they do not inform us about these dangers when actually we have a right to know.
Protecting our Planet image Gerd Altmann
Conclusion
Come and think about the idiocy of it all. On one side, we have been trying to repair the ozone layer and now we will destroy it.
If you are worried for yourself, your family, and world citizens, then you can put your name on the manifest to join a Global Protest against 5G.
https://5gspaceappeal.org/sign-the-appeal/
Before you leave, take a look at Recommendations. It is a special page I made for you with a collection of things you might find interesting.
Source: Wikipedia
Photo Source: Pixabay
If you have also written on the dangers of 5G, I would like you to contact me. I would add your post here so people can read it. The first post is of my friend Jenna. She lives in Hawaii and is also worried about Gaia.
https://liveup2you.com/would-you-like-to-live-in-a-microwave-oven/
Perhaps you like to read my previous post on 5G
Comments
Sammynathaniels
Being a chemical engineer, I really understand the severity of this matter. While in the university, I majored in environmental engineering, not for any other reason but to contribute my quota in saving the planet. Increase in sophisticating of modern technology is not in any way good to our ozone layer, but we can still reach a compromise by making strict laws guiding our actions and the extent of the use of these technologies.
When I first heard about 5G technology, as an environmental engineer, I was concerned about its impact on the ozone layer more than any other issue raised about the new technology. As you’ve rightly put it, most of these technologies are not just necessary because we are paying a far greater price for it… I think world leaders need to revisit this case and set up new measures to protect our planet.
Regards
Sammy
Taetske
Good afternoon Sammy,
Thank you for visiting my website and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Aint that something? My better half, who emigrated from the U.S. to Spain in August 2016 is also an environmental engineer. That is probably why we get along, most times.
I am still to writing world leaders as I think most of them will be completely unaware of the dangers. I did not write to president Trump as I know he supports this new technology. I am sure though he has no clue what it really means.
When you look at the long list of scientists and other known people who have set up this manifest it is clear there are people in this world who do worry. Have a look at the long list with studies on radiation. I hope you will sign this manifest and pass it on.
Regards, Taetske
Wesley Joiner
Exactly ? my concerns also. Most PEOPLE especially in the United States forget what’s TRULY important for our SURVIVAL as a human race. Good job ?
Taetske
Good afternoon Wesley,
Thank you for visiting my website and for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.
On Facebook I am in a Dutch radiation group. What I read there is often hair raising. On my profile I publish all the posts of my 2 websites. I have written more posts on 5G. In May last year I started a 3e website because I got irritated with YouTube censoring videos. You might take a look at http://www.thesilencedvoices.com as I have a category on 5G.
Regards, Taetske
Jenna Foster
Aloha Taetske!
Big Mahalo for all your beautiful and so important work! Together with the ice bears, we are already sitting on very thin ice! I hope many people read it, wake up and become active. I know we can stop it! It is only a matter of RIGHT decisions and right acting. I also hope many people will understand that they don’t do anybody a favor! They are helping and rescuing themselves! WE need to stand up for Gaia and Life! And for OURSELVES!
Big MAHALO, dear friend! Keep warning!
Sending you Love and Light to the beautiful Costa del Sol! May it stay that beautiful forever!
Aloha, Jenna
Taetske
Goodmorning Jenna,
Thank you for your comment and the post you wrote. The more people talk and write about 5G the better. Only if we all unite this horror can be stopped. You are right, the ice is more than thin already and there is no time to lose. Future generations will not believe we let this happen. Thank you for your support.
Con un Abrazo from the south of Spain, Tatske
Darko
Very, very informative but worrisome article. It turns out that the human race is trying to destroy itself, it goes for profit through the corpses. It is incredible human stupidity, but I think it all starts because of moneygrubbing.
Wondering about the situation around the current state of the ozone holes. I do not understand why this is not closely followed. Are there any funds missing or something else?
Taetske
Good afternoon Darko,
Thank you for your comment and your visit to my website. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF?
I do not think it is not closely followed or that no funds are available. I think that the Montreal Protocol is a set of rules or requirements and scientists are checking its effectiveness. The same as they have done these past years. The collecting of data takes time, perhaps a whole year and then a special report has to be written and confirmed by other tests. In total a rather time-consuming task which then supplies kind of older data, not data of yesterday so to speak.
Now with 5G, we have no data, no studies of any kind we only know it will be implemented, just like that and on a global basis. No good to hear in a couple of years, sorry, the ozone layer has gone missing. By that time we all will be like fried chickens.
Regards, Taetske
TJSchlenker
It’s great to hear that the Montreal Protocol has had this kind of positive effect on our environment. Tremendous!
I’m confused as to your air conditioning comment, though. I’m aware that we USED TO use R-22 in those, which was bad for the Ozone. Now, however, the industry has switched to EPA-recognized R-410A refrigerant, which is chlorine-free, and thus is considered ozone-friendly.
Have you heard something different to suggest it’s not??
Thanks.
Taetske
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your comment. Did you download your free PDF?
Like you, I am happy to hear the Montreal Protocol (the Protocol) is reaping some benefits. However, it has not gone all that far.
I did not mean to confuse you but my comment was that the Protocol was working because it called for the elimination of CFC’s and ultimately HCFC’s. But the chemical you mention (R-22) won’t be completely phased out until 2030.
The Protocol initially called for the stepped faze out and elimination of the production of some CFC’s by 1996. One particular CFC group was called Freon (trichlorofluoromethane – R-11, and dichlorodifluoromethane – R-12 are examples) and it was being discontinued at the time of the Protocol but was completely phased out under the Protocol time line. It was replaced by HCFC’s which included the compound you mentioned Chlorodifluoromethane – R-22. These chemicals (HCFC’s) were only subjected to the Protocol phase-out in 1996 and a complete phase out will occur in 2030.
You are correct that HCFC’s will be replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs – e.g., R-410A and R-134a) which do not contain chlorine but you also must consider that HFC’s such as R-410A have a much higher global warming potential (CO2e of 1725). (This information is from Wikipedia and may be a couple of years old.)
Looks like it is a choice of which poison you want.
I still think that 5G is going to have additional impacts to our precious ozone layer.
Regards, Taetske
p.s. The technical part is from my better half, he is an environmental engineer.
Gomer
I find this article so valuable that I shared it immediately to my social media accounts right after reading it. Being someone who depends so much on the Internet to make a living (as operate a local Internet cafe here in our place), I look up to that development (5G) and I thought its implementation would be good for all of us. But after reading your article, my mind was opened to this other possibility and instead of desiring it, I now fear it. There’s nothing that we can do for now but to sign the petition. I’m signing it now, joining the global protest against 5G.
Taetske
Good Morning Gomer,
I can understand this news has come as a shock. When I heard about it I was also very upset. Technology can be very good but not if it harms our health and the environment. Thank you for sharing this article on your social media, the more people hear about it the better as only then this horror can be stopped.
Thank you for leaving a comment on my website. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF?
Regards, Taetske
Antonio
Hi
The chemistry of why the ozone layer is depleting is well understood, as chemist routinely deal with free radical reactions via UV light. I wish companies have to do an environmental impact study, so that any new product or project is gauged via how much potential damage it has on environment. In this way harmful processes can be change to less harmful one.
I think the mining of the rare earth elements used in the components to make the smart phone, has more of the impact than the chemicals used in 5G. Companies need to be held to account on how much impact that they have on the environment. It is also up to the individual to take their own environmental impact as well.
Thank you for an interesting read.
Antonio
Taetske
Good Morning Antonio,
Men make many harmful things. Harmful to our health and our environment. If all companies would be obliged to present thorough and in-depth studies proving their new product was harmless for sure there would be a lot fewer products on the market. It is in the interest of the companies to not make those studies so they can sell to the ignorant burger.
So many things are being kept hidden from us, it is a real scandal. Do not think that the FDA or the EPA defend our interest and health. They side with the food companies, Big Pharma and technology companies at the cost of our health.
I really believe we are going in the wrong direction. Recently I wrote a post on the danger of diapers for babies. 60 chemicals were detected in those diapers and these diapers are also polluting our environment. These diapers are sold by all the big companies and people do not know about it. At the moment I am writing Diapers II as smart diapers are coming on the market. Besides the 60 chemicals now the baby is being radiated 24 hours a day. We are not right in our heads. If there had been serious studies done these diapers would not be on the market.
One thing is known that all the toxins in our life make people dumber. Now we are putting 5G on top of ourself, does one need more proof?
Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?
Regards, Taetske
Henderson
If this is the case then something should be done about the situation and very swiftly too. I do not like the fact that we are in danger and there is nothing happening to help curb it. I have heard about companies bringing in the next fast technology in 5G and I was really happy about the new speed that is coming but now seeing how those satellites can harm us,I’ma totally against the idea.
Taetske
Good Morning Henderson,
Men’s inventions might seem to be good at first sight but often has quite a few negatives attached.
Especially with the new 5G there seem to be a lot of unknown details. If they are known the companies rather not tell you about it as money loss could be the consequence. It is very sad that our world is mainly based on making profits. That is why we have to be informed about these things so we do not follow like blind sheep but instead speak up.
Thank you for your comment.
Regards, Taetske
drinkteahub
Thank you for an interesting and thought-provoking article.
I think that 5G poses a number of risks, including those that you’ve outlined here, plus the impact of the power needed to keep it up and running, our over-reliance on a fragile technology, the mining of rare earth minerals to make so-called smart devices, plus the unknowns around the impact of radiation on human and other life.
It might bring benefits but I’m yet to be convinced that they outweigh the risks.
Taetske
Good Morning Lisa,
Thank you for your comment on my website. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.
There are many studies on radiation, on 3 and 4G. They all show that it is bad for humans and for all living things in our world. As an example tests on beehives scattered the swarm and they did not come back. The queen bee only produced a third of the eggs each day. When there are no more bees we will be gone too within 4 years.
The greed of big companies, as well as our impatience, are the cause of this. There are movements worldwide against 5G and I hope it will succeed if not there will not be a safe spot left on our planet.
Regards, Taetske
Parameter
The first time I read about ozone layer depletion was during my days in high school. But as I grew older Technology increased and everybody seems to behave as if those radiations will not matter nor will they have an effect on our health.
But I must say a big thank you for calling our attention to these gadgets I think should be tagged – gradual killers.
Although companies need to be held responsible for creating awareness, I think most of us should join you in this campaign and save our environment and our health. kindly let me know how I can join you and be a part of this campaign.
Taetske
Good Morning Owoeye,
Thank you for visiting my website and for leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.
As to your question, there are 2 worldwide movements you might care to take a look at.
First, there is 5G Space Appeal where you can put your name. Just type the name in Google. Then you can take a look at the green widget Save the Planet below my photo. When you click you will see the website of bUnited, it might resonate with you.
Our life is full of gadgets and some can cause real harm. We have to be well informed about this to not be fooled by aggressive commercials that want us to believe we need all of this to be happy.
Regards, Taetske
PeterMinea
Hello Taetske!
Well, that’s indeed good news :)! Our ozone layer is getting better and that’s a reason for us to be optimistic! Of course, this optimism should be related to taking care of what we are doing with our technologies, in order not to endanger the environment with them.
If the ozone hole is currently decreasing, it may be that it took some time to the Montreal Protocol to start making things better, but it’s finally on the way! Almost all of us make use of electronic devices under radiations, and those radiations have their own impacts on our lives. 5G has raised some strong criticism ultimately!
Technology progress is welcome, but at what cost?… Progress and caring about nature should be balanced.
Kind regards,
Peter
Taetske
Good afternoon Peter,
Nice to see you again and thank you for your comment.
Our progress, is it sure this is the right word to use, and caring about nature, the word caring is not the best, are definitely not in balance? People are out of balance and the world, because of our actions is as well.
The price we will pay for being so thoughtless and ignorant will be high, I think very high. Our health is being jeopardized while at the same time we destroy the environment which is our habitat. When you think about it it is completely crazy. Having 2 websites has opened my eyes to a lot of things and I find it very upsetting.
You see what happened in Madrid, nothing. Year after year talking but no action, it is pitiful.
Regards, Taetske
Mugalu Mansoor
Thanks very much, Taetske for this wonderful article, let’s call it an eye and mind-opening article.
By reading it from its start to its end, I have understood how dangerous are our modern inventions to the ozone layer and also got to know that radiations are also dangerous.
Thanks for sharing with us this great information, keep sharing.
Taetske
Good afternoon Mugalu,
I am happy to hear you found my article informative.
Human inventions can be very dangerous for all of us. Normally the big companies try to brainwash us into thinking it is all harmless. Sadly many people fall for it unaware of the consequences this has for our health and the total planet.
Thank you for visiting my website and for leaving a comment. I hope you have downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget
Regards, Taetske.
Cynthia
It’s frightening to think what we humans have done to destroy the very earth and atmosphere we need to stay alive! I wonder if there are no studies on the use of 5G because any attempt to study it is blocked by the big tech companies? Their power seems to grow bigger every year. What we can do as individuals is exactly what you said: take action where we can. Do your research on products you buy and how often you use them. If we all do our little part, we CAN change the world!
Taetske
Good Morning Cynthia,
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.
Studies on 3 and 4G already showed how harmful those radiations are. That is why those companies pushing 5G have no interest to find out that 5G is even worse. They know that, of course, but making it public would be bad for business.
There are some worldwide movements that want to change this. Have you heard about bUnited? Take a look at the green widget Save the Planet in the sidebar. It could resonate with you.
Regards, Taetske