Lecture Session Nine

Session Nine: ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
9.1 Objectives
By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
i. Discuss the challenges of pollution and depletion of ozone layer
ii. Explain the causes of ozone layer depletion
iii. Explain the main Ozone Depleting Substances (OCD)
9.2 Lecture Overview
Development agenda must focus on integrating environmental sustainability into development

policy making, in particular by turning resource constraints and the climate crisis into an economic
opportunity that generates a double dividend of higher economic growth necessary to reduce
poverty with lower environmental impact by improving the efficiency of resource use and
increasing investments in human and natural capital.
Economic growth cannot be an end in itself. Gains from current growth have not been evenly
distributed and environmental and social externalities are growing worse. However, poverty
reduction and decent job creation are not possible without economic growth. This is why we need
an economic growth with different economic, social and ecological qualities, such as high
economic dynamism, social inclusion and ecological sustainability. The green growth approach,
promoted in the world since 2005, focuses on improving the ecological quality of economic growth
as an important tool for sustainable development and is a key strategy for delivering the green
economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.
Recognizing that countries share many development challenges, but have different aspirations and
development contexts, there is need to build support and capacity, and facilitate the sharing of best
practices and forging new approaches that can enable the world to better cope with emerging
developmental challenges through the strengthening of regional cooperation.
9.3 Challenges of pollution and depletion of ozone layer
Definition of Ozone Layer

Ozone layer is a deep layer in earth’s atmosphere that contains ozone which is a naturally occurring
molecule containing three oxygen atoms. These ozone molecules form a gaseous layer in the
Earth’s upper atmosphere called stratosphere. This lower region of stratosphere containing
relatively higher concentration of ozone is called Ozonosphere. The ozonosphere is found 15-35
km (9 to 22 miles) above the surface of the earth. The average concentration of ozone in the
atmosphere is around 0.6 parts per million. The thickness of the ozone layer differs as per season
and geography. The highest concentrations of ozone occur at altitudes from 26 to 28 km (16 to 17
miles) in the tropics and from 12 to 20 km (7 to 12 miles) towards the poles.
The ozone layer forms a thick layer in stratosphere, encircling the earth, that has large amount of
ozone in it. It protects our planet i.e. Earth from the harmful radiations that comes from the sun.
The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson.
The ozone layer has the capability to absorb almost 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations
that sun emit and which can produce long term devastating effects on human beings as well as
plants and animals.
9.4 Importance of ozone layer.
An essential property of ozone molecule is its ability to block solar radiations of wavelengths less
than 290 nanometers from reaching Earth’s surface. In this process, it also absorbs ultraviolet
radiations that are dangerous for most living beings. UV radiation could injure or kill life on Earth.
Though the absorption of UV radiations warms the stratosphere but it is important for life to
flourish on planet Earth. Research scientists have anticipated disruption of susceptible terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems due to depletion of ozone layer.
Ultraviolet radiation could destroy the organic matter. Plants and plankton cannot thrive, both acts
as food for land and sea animals, respectively. For humans, excessive exposure to ultraviolet
radiation leads to higher risks of cancer (especially skin cancer) and cataracts. It is calculated that
every 1 percent decrease in ozone layer results in a 2-5 percent increase in the occurrence of skin
cancer. Other ill-effects of the reduction of protective ozone layer include – increase in the
incidence of cataracts, sunburns and suppression of the immune system.
9.5 Causes of ozone layer depletion
During the last several decades, human activities have resulted in considerable reduction in the
ozone layer of the atmosphere. Ozone depletion occurs when destruction of the stratospheric ozone
is more than the production of the molecule. The scientists have observed reduction in stratospheric
ozone since early 1970s. It is found to be more prominent in Polar Regions.
There are two regions in which the ozone layer has depleted.
 In the mid-latitude, for example, over Australia, ozone layer is thinned. This has led to an
increase in the UV radiation reaching the earth. It is estimated that about 5-9% thickness
of the ozone layer has decreased, increasing the risk of humans to over-exposure to UV
radiation owing to outdoor lifestyle.
 In atmospheric regions over Antarctica, ozone layer is significantly thinned, especially in

spring season. This has led to the formation of what is called ‘ozone hole’. Ozone holes
refer to the regions of severely reduced ozone layers. Usually ozone holes form over the
Poles during the onset of spring seasons. One of the largest such hole appears annually
over Antarctica between September and November.
Natural causes of depletion of ozone layer: Ozone layer has been found to be affected by certain
natural phenomena such as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But this has been found to cause
not more than 1-2% depletion of the ozone layer and the effects are also thought to be only
temporary. It is also believed that the major volcanic eruptions (mainly El Chichon in 1983 and
Mt. Pinatubo in 1991) has also contributed towards ozone depletion.
Man-made causes of depletion of ozone layer: The main cause for the depletion of ozone is
determined as excessive release of chlorine and bromine from man-made compounds such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halons, CH 3CCl3 (Methyl chloroform),
CCl4 (Carbon tetrachloride), HCFCs (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons), hydrobromofluorocarbons and
methyl bromide are found to have direct impact on the depletion of the ozone layer. These are
categorized as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Chlorofluorocarbons are released into the
atmosphere due to:
 Cleaning Agents
 Coolants in refrigerators
 Packing material
 Air conditioning
 Aerosol spray cans etc.
The problem with the Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) is that they are not washed back in the
form of rain on the earth and in-fact remain in the atmosphere for quite a long time. With so much
stability, they are transported into the stratosphere. The emission of ODS account for roughly 90%
of total depletion of ozone layer in stratosphere. These gases are carried to the stratosphere layer
of atmosphere where ultraviolet radiations from the sun break them to release chlorine (from
CFCs) and bromine (from methyl bromide and halons). The chlorine and bromine free radicals
react with ozone molecule and destroy their molecular structure, thus depleting the ozone layer.
One chlorine atom can break more than 1, 00,000 molecules of ozone. Bromine atom is believed
to be 40 times more destructive than chlorine molecules.
9.6 Main Ozone Depleting Substances (OCD)
 Chlorofluorocarbons: Account for more than 80% of ozone depletion. Used in freezers, air
cooling component, dry-cleaning agents, hospital sterilants.
 Methyl Chloroform: Used for vapour degreasing, some aerosols, cold cleaning, adhesives
and chemical processing.
 Hydrochlorofluorocarbons: Substitutes for CFC’s but still play a vital role in ozone
depletion.
 Halons
 Carbon Tetrachloride: Mainly used in fire extinguishers
9.6.1 Sustainable use of environment
• Unsustainable exploitation of resources have negative consequences on local populations

and environmental assets. Therefore, environmental performance of ongoing projects and
those planned for the future must integrate the principles of environmental performance
and conservation necessary for sustainable development.
• Environmental performance is critical not only to sustainability but also to the value of
local environmental assets.
• As in many developing economies, the local community depends on these natural resources
for life and livelihood. Consequently, they need to be conserved and protected for the
future.
• It is a basic premise that all developments will produce some environmental impacts and
therefore the basic question is how much is acceptable under the circumstances? The
obvious consensus is that the country needs development but only of the kind that is
sustainable and in conformity to national development priorities.
• The challenge throughout is to find an acceptable level that will strike the necessary balance
between the need to develop and the need to protect vital environmental processes. Also
important is the planned scale of the infrastructural development and their potential to
unravel the social fabric and lifestyles of the people in the area within which they are based.
• The impacts of this development will be felt mainly in the areas of physical alterations to
the coastal and inland ecosystem, solid and liquid waste disposal, water supply and
distribution, energy generation, effects on the native wildlife species of the area from a
combination of factors, extraction of materials and transportation. The point has been made
that no project of this size can be successfully implemented without some negative
environmental impacts, however it is incumbent on the developer to reduce these to their
lowest possible level, or negate them entirely if the situation allows
• In considering the proposed expansion project, the importance of identifying the
anticipated cumulative environmental impacts is of great value. The exercise is designed
in such a way as to preserve and conserve the environment as much as possible while
undertaking the required activities necessary to bring life to the project.
9.7 Summary
In summary, the lecture aimed at identifying challenges of pollution and depletion of ozone layer,
why ozone layer is necessary? causes of ozone layer depletion and Main Ozone Depleting
Substances (OCD)
9.8 Self-Assessment Questions

Explain how man - made cause of ozone layer can be prevented
9.9 Further Reading
Desai, V. & Potter, R. (2014). The Companion to Development Studies. (3 rd Ed.). London:
Routledge. ISBN-13:978-1444167245.
Byrd, M. & Edwards, S. (2014). Leadership Development Studies: A Humanities Approach. (5 th

Ed.). Plymouth, USA: Hayden-Mc Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-0738066042.
Spear, J. & Williams, P. D. (2012). Security and Development in Global Politics: A critical
Comparison. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press. ISBN-13: 978-1589018860

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Session Nine: ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

i. Discuss the challenges of pollution and depletion of ozone layer

ii. Explain the causes of ozone layer depletion

iii. Explain the main Ozone Depleting Substances (OCD)

9.2 Lecture Overview

Development agenda must focus on integrating environmental sustainability into development

9.3 Challenges of pollution and depletion of ozone layer

Definition of Ozone Layer

9.4 Importance of ozone layer.

 In atmospheric regions over Antarctica, ozone layer is significantly thinned, especially in

9.6 Main Ozone Depleting Substances (OCD)

9.6.1 Sustainable use of environment

• Unsustainable exploitation of resources have negative consequences on local populations

9.8 Self-Assessment Questions

9.9 Further Reading

Byrd, M. & Edwards, S. (2014). Leadership Development Studies: A Humanities Approach. (5 th

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