The Ozone Threat

Our environment is one of the main sources that give us life. We are responsible in preserving its limited resources. I am quite aware of what is happening in the environment and how our resources have been depleted over the years. The ozone threat case study was discussed by my group during one of our CSR classes. After analyzing the case, it gave me more insights of how our ozone layer has been depleted due to the bad effects of CFC gases. DuPont Company, which was the largest manufacturer of CFC, was the main focus of the study.

It is a whole different situation when you pay attention to detail, when you start to realize those small flaws that made a big difference to the world. Doing the ozone threat case gave me that opportunity to have a deeper understanding of what global warming is all about and where it all started. It is when I figured out that the more we learn more about something, the more we realize how much we are involved. It is like having a view of a bigger picture then suddenly we increase the meaning and purpose of our lives. It is when we start to appreciate our environment and then realize how crucial our responsibilities are in terms of preserving and protecting the environment. It is a positive thing to be more involved and show concern to our mother nature.

DuPont Company who was the largest CFC manufacturer reacted to the CFC ban. They denied the studies that were done by scientists Rowland and Molina. They attacked them, so the scientists fought back and gathered more evidence on the ozone depletion. It was then successful when the Montreal Protocol in 1987 was agreed globally to limit the use of CFC. By 1990 it had been amended to become a global phase-out agreement.  That same year Congress added strong ozone safeguards to the Clean Air Act.

Millions of lives saved.  Hundreds of millions of cancers averted.  Agricultural disaster avoided. These are big achievements. But our work is not done. We still have to make sure that we are consistently compliant and responsible to make improvements happen. We could still do more under Montreal Protocol to fight climate change. It shouldn’t mainly focus on the ozone layer, we should also be responsible on smaller things like energy saving, waste reduction and other sustainable improvements that will benefit our environment.

Those scientists saved lives for continuously fighting for what they believe in that was right for everyone. It could be intimidating to contest powerful companies such as DuPont but they still continued and fought the battle against ozone depletion. They served as an inspiration to encourage others to use their expertise to make a difference to the world. To make a change that will benefit everyone and make people aware of their responsibility to planet earth. Together we can live in a better environment and a better world, together we can save lives.