DOI: 10.24387/CI.2020.3.13
Abstract
The ozone layer serves as a natural shield, blocking most ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun. The depletion of stratospheric ozone leads to an increase in UV radiation which reaches the surface of the Earth where it can disrupt biological processes and damage a number of materials. The depletion of the ozone layer is caused by human activities. The impact of these phenomena can be disastrous for our planet. Fortunately we recognised the importance of these issues and measures were taken to prevent the harmful effects. These measures were defined in legal documents, this paper concentrates on the impacts of the regulation. The world had a difficult choice in 1987, between the costs of protecting and restoring the ozone layer and the costs of doing nothing and living with the consequences. Costs occur when limits on the usage of CFCs and halons are imposed. There are also costs of implementing and dealing with policy enabling regulations.
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