How Will Ozone Layer Depletion Influence Future Energy Needs

By: Evelyn Long

Ozone depletion worsens with the rise of ozone-depleting substances, putting humanity and the environment at risk of damaging ultraviolet radiation. But the question on everyone’s mind is how it will affect future energy demand. 

The ozone layer has been threatened for decades, yet it plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth. Although some measures have been taken to prevent its depletion, its relationship to climate change raises questions about the world’s energy future.

Importance of the Ozone Layer to Earth and Humanity

The Earth has many atmospheric layers, the lowest of which is the troposphere, which extends about 6 miles upward from the surface. The next is the stratosphere, which is another 6-31 miles. Airplanes typically fly in the lower part of this layer.

The ozone layer rests within the stratosphere—about 9-18 feet above the ground—and is crucial to all life. It absorbs 97%- 99% of ultraviolet radiation (UVB) from the sun, shielding living beings from its damaging effects. 

Climate Change and Ozone Depletion

Seeing how greenhouse gases become trapped in the atmosphere, one would assume ozone depletion would worsen global warming and climate change. However, while there is some interaction, these phenomena are indirectly related.

Climate change may affect atmospheric states, which could accelerate ozone depletion — though greenhouse gas emissions and ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) significantly impact the ozone layer.

The ozone layer only accounts for 0.00006% of the Earth’s atmosphere, but ODSs — specifically compounds like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), methyl bromide and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) —  are thinning it even further. ODSs are everywhere, including plastics, refrigerants, industrial solvents, pesticides and fire-extinguishing agents.

ODSs can create an ozone hole — substantial depletion caused by human-made chemicals. While the incidence usually occurs over Antarctica, it allows ultraviolet rays (UVs) to hit the Earth, posing an increased risk for life-threatening conditions and damaging environmental impacts like:

• Increased cases of melanoma, which causes 7,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
• Development of eye cataracts
• Slower plant development
• Reduced phytoplankton survival, which is critical for the marine food web
• Decreased reproduction in aquatic organisms
• Negative impacts on terrestrial biogeochemical cycles

The globally backed Montreal Protocol has been tremendously successful in closing the ozone hole since its adoption in 1987. The agreement created standards for phasing out ODSs, and experts predict the Antarctic hole will close by the 2060s. In the meantime, the Montreal Protocol has possibly helped stem about 2 million skin cancer cases annually by 2030.

How Ozone Will Impact Future Energy Needs

Ozone depletion could eventually alter consumer heating and cooling demand by altering tropospheric temperatures. Some industries—like agriculture, which uses ample electricity in growing and processing—may also have higher energy needs.

However, climate change — whether or not influenced by ozone depletion — will continue to transform future energy, the transition to renewables and building for resilience the most. 

The world has already seen a shift in industry emissions and green construction. Today, homes and commercial buildings made with sustainable materials are more capable of withstanding atmospheric changes. For example, double or triple-pane windows offer temperature regulation and better UV protection. 

Additionally, net-zero communities will help offset harmful emissions and heating commonly absorbed by the ozone layer. In 2019, 580 net-zero housing projects were initiated, most appealing to those interested in sustainable living. Yet, many have also made energy-efficient upgrades to existing structures to reduce their carbon footprint.

Diverting reliance on fossil fuels is crucial for ozone recovery and meeting future energy needs. In 2023, renewables accounted for 30.2% of total energy generation, which is still well below what’s needed to offset global warming emissions.

Ways to Mitigate Ozone Depletion

Minimizing ozone depletion requires community-level efforts, new policies and international compliance in limiting greenhouse gases. However, there are also things people can do individually to reduce their impact:

• Buy alternative products without ODSs.
• Replace appliances with energy-efficient models, disposing of old ones through safe disposal programs.
• Advocate for environmental legislation reducing greenhouse gases. 
• Use sustainable transportation, such as walking, biking, electric vehicles or public transport.
• Properly recycle products with ODSs.
• Avoid using pesticides, fertilizers and other harmful synthetic chemicals.
• Invest in companies promoting renewable developments and green technologies.

Smaller efforts always add up. Any way to reduce emissions has a positive effect on the ozone layer. 

Ozone Health Is Essential to Life on Earth

A strong ozone layer is essential to all life on Earth. It protects people and the environment from harmful UVB and makes the planet more habitable. Existing policies have already proved successful,

but more must be done to aid its recovery for the future.

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Evelyn Long is a writer and editor focused on construction and sustainability. Her work can be found on Renovated, a web resource for better building and design.