The Ozone Layer Crisis and CFC Impact on Earth's Environment

In the 1980s, a growing hole in the ozone layer was discovered, primarily caused by CFCs. These chemicals, used widely in industry, were shown to deplete ozone, leading to increased UV radiation reaching Earth. This prompted global scientific and political action, resulting in the Montreal Protocol, which phased out CFCs. The ozone layer is recovering, but new challenges like HFCs remain. The Montreal Protocol is a model for global cooperation against climate change.

What percentage of UV radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer?

• 50%

• 75%

• 98%

• 100%

Who were the chemists that discovered the harmful effects of CFCs on the ozone layer?

• Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr

• Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei

• Mario Molina and Sherwood Rowland

• Marie Curie and Louis Pasteur

What was the primary use of CFCs when they were first developed?

• As a fuel

• As a coolant for refrigerators

• As a pesticide

• As a cleaning agent

What was the main reason for the rapid ozone depletion over Antarctica?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Increased industrial activity

• Unique cloud structures and cold temperatures

• High temperatures

Which international agreement was signed to phase out CFCs?

• Geneva Convention

• Paris Agreement

• Kyoto Protocol

• Montreal Protocol

What was the outcome of the Montreal Protocol on the ozone layer?

• It caused further depletion

• It had no effect

• The ozone hole began shrinking

• It increased greenhouse gases

What are HFCs and why are they a concern?

• They are potent greenhouse gases

• They are harmless gases

• They are used in medicine

• They are used in agriculture

What is the goal of the Kigali Amendment?

• To reduce global HFCs by 85% by 2047

• To increase CFC production

• To promote fossil fuels

• To ban all greenhouse gases

What is the predicted impact of the Kigali Amendment on global warming?

• Decrease by 2°C

• Avoid up to 0.5°C of warming

• No change

• Increase by 1°C

What does the Montreal Protocol exemplify in the context of climate change?

• The irrelevance of environmental issues

• The need for global cooperation

• The importance of economic growth

• The failure of international treaties