If you're able to use a computer and can read this newsletter, you'll have no doubt heard about global warming.

You've probably heard different stories about what could be causing global warming and what it'll do to us, ranging from the effect that CFC gases have on the ozone layer to global warming being nothing more than a natural occurrence as our planet continues to emerge from the last "Little Ice Age". But just how much do you know about either of these subjects? And how are they affecting you?

The Effect of CFC Gases

First of all, in order to understand how CFC gases might be affecting the ozone layer, it's important to understand what the ozone layer actually is.

Ozone is a form of oxygen, one of three forms that can be found in our Earths atmosphere. Without ozone, our planet would be a very different place because it shields us all against harmful radiation from the Sun (ultraviolet (UV) radiation), life—or at least, life as we know it—wouldn't exist.

If the ozone layer breaks down, UV rays will be able to reach the Earth's surface, with the result being a dramatic increase in the number of cases of skin cancer and eye cataracts.

The affect on the food chain could also be disastrous. Because UV rays kill plankton in the sea, the fish and whales that live off of plankton would eventually starve and disappear. This would then affect the next link in the chain - those creatures that live off of fish - and so it would continue throughout the chain.

It's just as well we're not dependent on meat for survival - a few carrots, a handful of potatoes and a cabbage a day should suffice.

Anyway, let's move on to look at how CFC gases affect the ozone layer. Those who did chemistry at school will know what this is all about.

Any compound that contains chlorine will lead to the decrease in natural ozone levels by removing one oxygen atom from the ozone molecule, thus converting it into oxygen.

As you can imagine, there's no natural occurrence of such compounds in the upper atmosphere, but vast amounts have built up over time due to our increased use of man-made chlorine based compounds, of which CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) are the most common.

When we first starting using CFCs back in the 1930s—primarily to cool fridges—we thought they were safe. When you don't know better, you can't be blamed for making a mistake, can you?

We know now that CFCs rise from the surface of the Earth and into the stratosphere where they're bombarded by UV light. We know that this releases the chlorine atoms that react with the ozone molecules and we know that before long, ozone becomes oxygen and we're left with less protection.

While most countries have banned the usage of CFCs in aerosols, these gases are still found in refrigerators and in some types of foam packaging.

How much this will affect our generation is uncertain - it depends entirely on how quickly the ozone layer is depleted - but what is certain is that it will have an effect on future generations.

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