Course Description

The ozone layer is a critical component of the Earth’s stratosphere, absorbing the majority of harmful ultraviolet B radiation and preventing it from reaching the surface. Without this protective layer, humans and ecosystems would experience significantly higher rates of skin cancers, cataracts, immune suppression, and damage to crops and aquatic life. Ozone-depleting substances, or ODS, are man-made chemicals that, when released into the atmosphere, catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to thinning of the layer. Understanding the mechanisms of ozone depletion, including chemical reactions and atmospheric lifetimes, is essential for designing effective environmental protection strategies and compliance measures.

What you'll learn in this course?

• Understand the chemical nature, types, and sources of ODS.

• Comprehend the environmental and human health impacts of ODS.

• Analyze US and international regulations for ODS management.

• Evaluate methods of ODS recovery, recycling, and destruction.

• Compare technological approaches to ODS destruction in different countries.

• Identify emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in ODS management.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of environmental engineering, refrigeration systems, or hazardous-material management

• Familiarity with ozone protection, refrigerants, and environmental regulations is helpful