Nova : Hole in the Sky / Horizon : Greenhouse Effect / 2048 : The Ozone Alarm / 2048 : Greenhouse Effect

Abstract

In Aug 1986, expedition "Emergency Ozone Depletion" was launched. Led by team leader Susan Solomon, they were based in McMurdoch Bay Station with the mission to gather enough data to successfully address the sudden appearance of a hole in the sky. Several theories, although inconclusive developed from the expedition. Donald Heath of NASA was quoted as saying that although evidence is not conclusive, we still need to closely monitor and interpret existing data on a continuous basis. Rafe Pomerance of the World Resources Institute is also quoted saying that there are increased changes to the atmosphere and these are in effect affecting the human population. Another issue of close relationship is that of the Greenhouse Effect. In 1986, an International Agreement was achieved in Geneva which provided an insurance policy to protect he world from effects of more ozone depletion. This would mean a limit placed on the production of CFC. UNEP urged for a reduction in gas emissions as evidence reveals that for every 1% reduction in the ozone layer, skin cancer, for instance, would rise by 5%. The effects on the human poplution is immense, not to mention the effect on food and water production. From a business perspective, DU PONT, one the worlds' largest production of CFC, argues over the importance of CFC, and alternative measures as opposed to a complete ban on it's production. The Greenhouse Effect will no doubt alter climatic zones therefore affecting food and water produuction. We don't have to look far as the evidence is everywhere. If we are to avoid a catastrophic environmental war, we must face the problems we have at hand with the sufficient scientific information available. The only question left is we will be able to find a Government or Organisational Body who will be readily responsible to take action and provide necessary funds for this collaborative activity.