By: Mel Alvarez/Contributing Writer
Last winter, atmospheric scientists discovered what is now being described as the “first significant ozone hole ever recorded over the high northern regions” by the science journal, Nature.
Though this ozone depletion is temporary, unlike that of the Antarctic discovered in the 1980s, it demonstrates the lasting effects greenhouse gases have on the planet.
Jack Parker, professor of environmental science and chemistry at the University, explained the differences and causes of atmospheric holes over the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
“The difference is [this hole is] in the north pole not the south pole; we don’t have anywhere near the same level of an ozone hole in the north pole because it’s not anywhere near as cold as the south pole,” Parker said. “One of the characteristics needed for the chemistry to take place, that is depleting the ozone, is that it has to be very cold in the stratosphere.”
Several factors need to exist before the Antarctic ozone improves similarly to what is currently being reported in the Arctic, according to Parker.
“It’s going to take a long time for some of these chemicals to be low enough in the atmosphere to say that we no longer have a hole in the ozone in the Antarctic area. It doesn’t happen right away because some of these chemicals last for hundreds of years. [The hole is] probably temporary in the Arctic because it has to have very special conditions in order to be cold enough.”
Depletion is measured by the reduction of ozone concentration in a particular area.
Furthermore, chemical ozone destruction in the Arctic has been known to occur in winter and spring; this is due to atmospheric chemical reactions with local hot or cold air. However, never had such a significant depletion occurred as was the case in February 2011 when the northern ozone hole reached southward into Russia and Mongolia.
Though ozone depletion and global warming are generally separate topics in the scientific community, in the present case, a link can be made between the two.
As evidence shows, the primary cause of global warming is carbon dioxide in the lower atmosphere, which traps and accumulates heat; thereby limiting the heat that can be absorbed in the stratosphere. Subsequently, the stratosphere becomes colder and causes more ozone destruction.
Parker stressed that South Florida is at risk to global warming.
“Particularly coastal South Florida is one of the most vulnerable urban places on the planet and probably the most vulnerable urban area in the United States.”
He attributes this to Florida’s proximity to sea level as well as the estimated three to four foot rise in sea level projected to occur by the end of this century.
The most effective way to lessen the impacts of global warming and ozone depletion, Parker suggested, is working on a local level to limit carbon emissions and reduce energy usage.
The University has shown interest in promoting this message with projects like Campus Sustainability Day and America Recycles Day.
Carrie Kashar, assistant director of sustainability, said to Student Media, in 2011, the University will participate in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Game Day Challenge for the first time.
During the friendly competition, collegiate schools strive to reduce waste and recycle during a football game in hopes of excelling in one of five EPA award categories, which includes greenhouse gas reduction.
The Office of Sustainability has dubbed the effort the “GoGreen Game” in correlation with the office’s America Recycles Day. Recycling options were made available at the Nov. 12 tailgate and in FIU Stadium to help increase participation of students, faculty and staff in waste reduction programs, while heightening awareness of environmental issues.
Kashar encouraged students who are interested in getting involved with environmentally sustainable organizations on campus to contact the Students for Environmental Action, Panther’s Going Green or the Intellectual Decisions on Environmental Awareness Solutions club; all of which can be reached through the Office of Sustainability’s website gogreen.fiu.edu.