he depletion of the ozone layer, the current situation, and prospects
1. Individual project proposal (50%)
This proposal is preparation for the dissertation project for the ENVM 3002 module.
You will have identified an environmental issue of your choice which you will explore
from a systems perspective in order to determine possible solution pathways. This
proposal will identify the rationale and context for the problem, research questions,
aim, objectives, basic literature review, methodology and resource requirements and
GANTT chart.
Word limit: Maximum 1000 words and 4 sides of A4 (not including references).
Students are expected to use at least 10 references some of which must be from the
peer-reviewed literature.
Deadline: 12 noon Monday 9th January 2022 (Submission via the DLE)
Degree
Class
Marks
Range
Characteristics of your work
1
st 85%+ Outstanding work. An outstanding proposal demonstrating:
Comprehensive, relevant and accurate understanding of the issues,
informed by a very wide variety of appropriate literature;
Highly original idea with potential for publication of resulting project
Highly appropriate choice of research questions and clear
explanation of methodology
Exceptionally lucid and convincing style, clear structure, outstanding
presentation with highly effective use of figures / tables.
1
st 70 –
84%
Excellent work. An excellent proposal demonstrating:
Extensive, relevant and accurate coverage understanding of the
issues, clearly informed by appropriate literature;
Original idea with some potential for publication of resulting project
Appropriate choice of research questions and explanation of
methodology
Fluent, coherent and convincing style, clear structure, excellent
presentation with very effective use of figures / tables.
2:1 60 –
69%
Very good work. A very good proposal demonstrating:
Detailed, relevant and accurate coverage of issues, drawing
effectively from the wider literature;
Project idea showing some degree of originality
Appropriate choice of research questions and explanation of
methodology
Fluent and coherent style, clear structure, very good presentation
and use of figures and tables.
2:2 50-
59%
Good work. A good proposal demonstrating:
Reasonably comprehensive coverage of the issues to be addressed
in the project;
Limited citation of literature;
Project idea showing some originality
Reasonable choice of research questions but limited explanation of
methodology
Reasonably fluent style, with some weaknesses in structure and
presentation.
3 40-
49%
Pass. A basic proposal demonstrating:
Some but not complete understanding of the issues
Minimal reference to literature;
Basic research questions and partial explanation of methodology
Little originality
Deficiencies in clarity, structure, and / or presentation.
Fail 30 –
39%
Unsatisfactory work, A poor proposal demonstrating:
Little understanding of the issues to be addressed
Poor choice of research questions
Inadequate understanding of basic methodology;
Poor structure, clarity, and / or presentation.
Fail <29% Very unsatisfactory A proposal that is well below the standards
needed to meet the learning outcomes of this assignment.
Very little accurate or relevant information
A failure to produce a convincing proposal for a University level
dissertation.
The ozone layer is a region of Earth’s stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone. Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The ozone layer helps to protect life on Earth by filtering out harmful UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer and other negative health effects.
Over the past several decades, the ozone layer has been depleted by the release of certain chemicals into the atmosphere, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These chemicals break down the ozone molecules, leading to a thinning of the ozone layer.
The depletion of the ozone layer has been a cause for concern because it can lead to increased levels of UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, which can have negative impacts on human health, ecosystems, and agriculture.
There has been progress in addressing the depletion of the ozone layer. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed, which set limits on the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. As a result of this agreement and other efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, the ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 levels by mid-century.
However, the ozone layer is still at risk due to the continued release of certain ozone-depleting substances, as well as the potential impact of climate change on the stratosphere. It is important to continue efforts to reduce the release of ozone-depleting substances and to monitor the health of the ozone layer to ensure that it continues to recover and protect life on Earth.
