McCarthy, 21-Jun-1997 --> The Ozone Hole
The theory that the ozone layer is being damaged by chlorofluorocarbons
has widespread acceptance, but there are many
scientifically respectable dissenters. Because ozone is regenerated
all the time, if chlorofluorocarbons are the problem, the situation
will return to normal. There has been much exaggeration of the
effects on humans of the increases in UV-B that have actually
occurred. Nevertheless, UV-B is harmful to some plants. Experiments
with shielding plants from UV-B show that UV-B reduces growth in some
plants even at normal levels.
Robert Parson, a supporter of the theory, has an
FAQ
about the causes of the ozone hole.
However, ground level intensity of UV-B doesn't seem to have increased
appreciably anywhere except in Antarctica and the southern tip of
South America. The sheep in Chile supposedly blinded by UV-B turned
out to have pink eye, a bacterial infection common in sheep and not
rare in American school children.
Up to: Sustainability FAQ
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I'm John McCarthy.
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