The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer located above the troposphere, the place most climate phenomena happen. Extending from roughly 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s floor, it’s characterised by a secure temperature gradient, rising with altitude as a result of absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer. This area is essential for shielding life on Earth from dangerous photo voltaic radiation.
This secure atmospheric area performs an important position in international local weather and atmospheric circulation patterns. The ozone layer inside it absorbs nearly all of the Solar’s dangerous ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, shielding life beneath. Its distinct temperature stratification additionally influences the propagation of sound waves and the dispersion of volcanic aerosols. Understanding its composition and dynamics is crucial for predicting long-term local weather tendencies and assessing the affect of human actions on atmospheric chemistry.
Additional exploration of atmospheric layers will embody detailed analyses of their distinctive traits, chemical composition, and the dynamic interactions between them. The affect of human actions on these delicate balances may even be examined, offering a complete understanding of atmospheric science and its relevance to modern environmental challenges.
1. Ozone Layer
The ozone layer is intrinsically linked to the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer above the troposphere the place most climate happens. This layer, located predominantly throughout the stratosphere, performs a crucial position in absorbing dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the solar, thereby defending life on Earth. Understanding its perform and the components influencing its focus is important for comprehending the stratosphere’s significance.
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UV Radiation Absorption
Ozone molecules (O3) successfully take in UV-B and UV-C radiation, stopping these dangerous rays from reaching the Earth’s floor. This absorption course of converts UV radiation into warmth, contributing to the stratosphere’s attribute temperature improve with altitude. The effectiveness of this absorption straight impacts the quantity of UV radiation reaching the biosphere, influencing all the pieces from human well being to ecosystem stability.
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Stratospheric Temperature Regulation
The absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer considerably influences the temperature profile of the stratosphere. This absorption course of generates warmth, making a temperature inversion the place temperatures improve with altitude. This temperature stratification contributes to the steadiness of the stratosphere, inhibiting vertical mixing and influencing atmospheric circulation patterns.
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Chemical Composition and Formation
Ozone formation and destruction are dynamic processes involving complicated chemical reactions. Oxygen molecules (O2) are damaged aside by UV radiation, and the ensuing oxygen atoms (O) mix with different oxygen molecules to kind ozone (O3). This steady cycle of formation and destruction, influenced by pure and anthropogenic components, determines the ozone layer’s thickness and effectiveness in absorbing UV radiation.
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Influence of Human Actions
Human actions, significantly the discharge of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) resembling chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have traditionally led to a thinning of the ozone layer, most notably over Antarctica (the “ozone gap”). Worldwide agreements and laws aimed toward phasing out ODS have demonstrably contributed to the ozone layer’s restoration, underscoring the significance of understanding the complicated interaction between human actions and atmospheric chemistry.
The ozone layer’s perform throughout the stratosphere highlights the interconnectedness of atmospheric processes and the numerous affect of this area on the Earth’s biosphere. The continued monitoring and analysis of the ozone layer stay essential for making certain the continued safety it offers towards dangerous photo voltaic radiation and for understanding its broader affect on local weather and atmospheric dynamics.
2. Steady Temperature Gradient
The stratosphere, positioned above the troposphere (the place most climate phenomena happen), reveals a singular and essential attribute: a secure temperature gradient. Not like the troposphere, the place temperature decreases with altitude, the stratosphere’s temperature will increase with top. This phenomenon, generally known as a temperature inversion, outcomes straight from the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by the ozone layer residing throughout the stratosphere. This absorption course of converts UV radiation into warmth, warming the encircling air and establishing the secure stratification.
This stability has vital implications for atmospheric dynamics. The suppression of vertical air motion throughout the stratosphere contributes to its layered construction and inhibits the formation of the convective clouds and turbulent climate techniques attribute of the troposphere. The distinct temperature profile additionally influences the propagation of sound waves and the dispersion of aerosols, together with volcanic plumes, which might stay suspended within the stratosphere for prolonged intervals, impacting international local weather. The soundness afforded by the temperature gradient is important for the long-term persistence of the ozone layer, making certain continued safety from dangerous UV radiation.
Understanding the stratospheric temperature gradient is prime to comprehending atmospheric circulation patterns, radiative steadiness, and the long-term impacts of each pure and anthropogenic influences on local weather. The soundness of this area performs a crucial position in sustaining the ozone layer’s integrity and influencing the distribution of atmospheric constituents, underscoring its significance within the Earth’s local weather system. Continued analysis and monitoring of this area are important for predicting and mitigating potential disruptions to this delicate steadiness.
3. Above the Troposphere
The phrase “above the troposphere” straight factors to the stratosphere, the important thing time period associated to “a part of the ambiance above most climate crossword.” The troposphere, the bottom layer of the ambiance, is the place the overwhelming majority of climate phenomena happen. Understanding the excellence between the troposphere and the layers above it, significantly the stratosphere, is essential for comprehending atmospheric dynamics and the protecting position of the stratosphere.
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Temperature Inversion
A defining attribute of the stratosphere, and a key differentiator from the troposphere, is the presence of a temperature inversion. Whereas the troposphere experiences reducing temperatures with altitude, the stratosphere reveals the oppositetemperature will increase with top. This inversion, attributable to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer, creates a secure atmospheric layer that inhibits vertical mixing and influences large-scale atmospheric circulation.
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Ozone Layer Presence
The stratosphere homes the ozone layer, a area with a excessive focus of ozone molecules (O3). This layer performs an important position in absorbing dangerous UV radiation from the solar, shielding life on Earth from its damaging results. The ozone layer’s presence throughout the stratosphere is a crucial issue distinguishing it from the troposphere and highlighting its protecting perform.
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Influence on Climate Patterns
Whereas the troposphere is characterised by turbulent climate techniques, the stratosphere’s secure temperature gradient inhibits the formation of comparable climate phenomena. The stratosphere’s affect on climate is primarily oblique, affecting large-scale circulation patterns and influencing the distribution of aerosols and different atmospheric constituents, which might, in flip, affect climate techniques within the troposphere.
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Aerosol and Pollutant Dispersion
The stratosphere’s secure layering influences the dispersion of aerosols, together with volcanic plumes and pollution. These particles can stay suspended within the stratosphere for prolonged intervals, affecting international local weather patterns and radiative steadiness. The contrasting dynamic nature of the troposphere, with its lively climate techniques, ends in a distinct sample of aerosol dispersion, primarily by way of precipitation and wind.
In abstract, the idea of “above the troposphere” straight pertains to the stratosphere and its distinctive traits. The temperature inversion, the presence of the ozone layer, the affect on climate patterns, and the dispersion of aerosols all distinguish the stratosphere from the troposphere and underscore its significance in Earth’s atmospheric system. The stratosphere, located above the weather-dominated troposphere, performs a vital protecting and regulatory position within the international local weather and atmospheric dynamics.
4. 10-50 km altitude
The altitude vary of 10-50 km designates the situation of the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer straight above the troposphere, the place most climate happens. This particular altitude vary is essential for understanding the stratosphere’s distinctive traits and its position in defending Earth’s biosphere. Exploring the implications of this altitude offers a deeper understanding of its significance in atmospheric science.
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Ozone Layer Focus
The ten-50 km altitude vary encompasses the area of highest ozone focus, generally generally known as the ozone layer. This layer successfully absorbs dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the solar. The altitude vary is crucial as a result of the density of oxygen molecules, needed for ozone formation, is perfect at these heights, permitting for environment friendly UV absorption and safety of life beneath.
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Temperature Inversion and Stability
Throughout the 10-50 km altitude vary, the stratosphere experiences a temperature inversion. Not like the troposphere, the place temperature decreases with altitude, the stratosphere’s temperature will increase with top attributable to ozone absorbing UV radiation. This temperature inversion creates a secure atmospheric layer, inhibiting vertical mixing and contributing to the long-term persistence of the ozone layer.
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Influence on Atmospheric Dynamics
The altitude vary of the stratosphere influences atmospheric circulation patterns. The secure stratification at these altitudes impacts the motion of air plenty and the distribution of aerosols, together with volcanic plumes. These aerosols, trapped throughout the stratosphere, can have long-term results on international local weather and radiative steadiness.
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Distinct from Tropospheric Climate
The ten-50 km altitude vary successfully separates the stratosphere from the troposphere beneath. The troposphere, extending from the floor to roughly 10 km, is characterised by lively climate techniques. The stratosphere’s larger altitude and secure temperature gradient forestall the formation of comparable climate patterns, creating a definite atmospheric area with distinctive traits.
The ten-50 km altitude vary defines the stratosphere and its essential position within the Earth’s atmospheric system. This particular altitude, encompassing the ozone layer and exhibiting a secure temperature gradient, distinguishes the stratosphere from the troposphere and its related climate phenomena. Understanding the implications of this altitude offers invaluable insights into atmospheric dynamics, radiative steadiness, and the protecting position of the stratosphere in sustaining a liveable surroundings.
5. UV radiation absorption
UV radiation absorption is intrinsically linked to the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer located above the troposphere the place most climate happens. This absorption, primarily carried out by the ozone layer throughout the stratosphere, performs a crucial position in defending life on Earth and influencing the stratosphere’s temperature construction. Understanding the mechanisms and implications of UV absorption inside this particular atmospheric area is prime to atmospheric science.
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Ozone Layer Perform
Ozone molecules (O3) are extremely efficient at absorbing UV radiation, significantly UV-B and UV-C, that are dangerous to organic organisms. This absorption course of transforms UV radiation into warmth, contributing to the attribute temperature improve with altitude noticed throughout the stratosphere. The ozone layer acts as a protecting protect, stopping most dangerous UV radiation from reaching the Earth’s floor and safeguarding the biosphere.
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Stratospheric Temperature Profile
The absorption of UV radiation by ozone straight influences the temperature profile of the stratosphere. This absorption-driven warming creates a temperature inversion, the place temperature will increase with altitude, contrasting with the troposphere’s reducing temperature profile. This temperature inversion contributes to the stratosphere’s stability, inhibiting vertical mixing and influencing atmospheric circulation patterns.
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Influence on Life on Earth
The absorption of UV radiation throughout the stratosphere is important for shielding life on Earth. Extreme UV radiation may cause DNA harm, main to numerous well being issues in people, together with pores and skin most cancers and cataracts. It could possibly additionally negatively affect flora and marine ecosystems. The stratospheric ozone layer’s absorption of UV radiation mitigates these dangers, making a liveable surroundings.
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Variations in UV Absorption
The quantity of UV radiation absorbed by the stratosphere varies relying on components such because the focus of ozone, the solar’s angle, and the presence of aerosols. The ozone layer’s depletion, noticed prior to now attributable to human-made ozone-depleting substances, led to elevated UV radiation reaching the floor. Monitoring and understanding these variations are essential for assessing potential environmental and well being impacts.
In conclusion, UV radiation absorption throughout the stratosphere, primarily facilitated by the ozone layer, is a crucial course of with far-reaching implications. It straight influences the stratosphere’s temperature construction, protects life on Earth from dangerous UV radiation, and performs a major position in atmospheric dynamics. The continued research of this course of is significant for understanding and addressing environmental challenges and making certain the long-term well being of the planet.
6. Impacts Climate Patterns
Whereas the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer above the troposphere (the world highlighted by “a part of the ambiance above most climate crossword”), might circuitously generate climate phenomena like rain or snow, its affect on tropospheric climate patterns is critical. Understanding this affect is essential for complete climate forecasting and local weather modeling.
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Stratospheric Circulation and Jet Stream
Giant-scale wind patterns throughout the stratosphere, such because the polar vortex, can affect the energy and place of the jet stream, a fast-flowing air present within the troposphere. Adjustments within the jet stream can shift storm tracks, affecting temperature and precipitation patterns within the troposphere beneath. For instance, a weakened or meandering jet stream can result in extended intervals of maximum climate, resembling heatwaves or chilly spells.
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Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs)
SSWs are dramatic temperature will increase within the stratosphere that may disrupt the polar vortex. These occasions can set off modifications in tropospheric circulation patterns, typically resulting in extreme winter climate in mid-latitudes. The affect of SSWs demonstrates the interconnectedness between the stratosphere and tropospheric climate techniques.
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Ozone Layer Depletion and Local weather Change
Adjustments in stratospheric ozone concentrations, significantly depletion attributable to human-made chemical substances, can not directly affect tropospheric climate patterns. Ozone depletion can alter stratospheric temperature gradients, affecting wind patterns and doubtlessly impacting the jet stream and storm tracks. Moreover, local weather change itself can have an effect on stratospheric temperatures and ozone distribution, creating complicated suggestions loops and influencing tropospheric climate.
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Aerosol Dispersion and Radiative Forcing
Volcanic eruptions can inject massive quantities of aerosols into the stratosphere, the place they will stay for prolonged intervals. These aerosols can mirror daylight again into area, resulting in a cooling impact within the troposphere and doubtlessly influencing climate patterns. The stratosphere’s position in aerosol dispersion highlights its affect on the Earth’s radiative steadiness and subsequent climate patterns.
The stratosphere, usually thought-about separate from on a regular basis climate, performs a vital position in modulating tropospheric climate patterns. Its affect on the jet stream, the results of sudden stratospheric warmings, the affect of ozone depletion, and the dispersion of aerosols all reveal the interconnectedness of the stratosphere with the troposphere and its climate techniques. Understanding these interactions is important for correct climate prediction and efficient local weather modeling.
7. Aerosol Dispersion
Aerosol dispersion throughout the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer located above the troposphere (the main target of “a part of the ambiance above most climate crossword”), possesses distinct traits and performs a major position in influencing local weather and atmospheric chemistry. The stratosphere’s secure temperature gradient, ensuing from ozone absorbing ultraviolet radiation, inhibits vertical mixing. This stability permits aerosols to stay suspended for prolonged intervals, typically years, and to be transported globally by stratospheric winds. This contrasts sharply with the troposphere, the place extra speedy mixing and precipitation processes take away aerosols extra rapidly. The prolonged residence time of stratospheric aerosols has vital implications for radiative forcing and local weather impacts.
Volcanic eruptions function a major instance of great stratospheric aerosol injection. Giant eruptions can propel sulfur dioxide fuel into the stratosphere, the place it converts into sulfate aerosols. These aerosols mirror incoming photo voltaic radiation again into area, leading to a internet cooling impact on the Earth’s floor. The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo within the Philippines, for example, injected substantial quantities of aerosols into the stratosphere, inflicting a measurable lower in international temperatures for a number of years. Equally, massive wildfires can even inject smoke and soot particles into the stratosphere, impacting radiative forcing and atmospheric chemistry. Anthropogenic aerosols, resembling these from industrial emissions, can even attain the stratosphere, though sometimes in smaller portions in comparison with volcanic eruptions.
Understanding stratospheric aerosol dispersion is essential for precisely modeling local weather change and predicting the impacts of each pure and anthropogenic aerosol injections. The prolonged residence time and international transport of those aerosols necessitate refined fashions that account for his or her complicated interactions with atmospheric chemistry and radiation. Additional analysis into aerosol properties, transport mechanisms, and their affect on radiative forcing stays important for enhancing local weather predictions and assessing the potential impacts of future volcanic eruptions and different aerosol injection occasions. This understanding facilitates extra knowledgeable decision-making concerning local weather change mitigation and adaptation methods.
8. Radio Wave Propagation
Radio wave propagation is considerably influenced by the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer located above the troposphere, the area emphasised by “a part of the ambiance above most climate crossword.” This affect stems from the stratosphere’s distinctive electrical properties, significantly the ionosphere’s decrease portion, the D-region, which overlaps with the higher stratosphere. Understanding this interplay is essential for optimizing communication techniques and navigational applied sciences.
The D-region, positioned roughly 60-90 km above the Earth’s floor, performs a vital position in absorbing decrease frequency radio waves, significantly throughout sunlight hours. This absorption is attributable to ionization processes pushed by photo voltaic radiation. Greater frequency radio waves, nevertheless, can penetrate the D-region and are refracted, or bent, again in the direction of the Earth by the upper layers of the ionosphere (E and F areas). This refraction permits for long-distance radio communication by bouncing alerts off the ionosphere, successfully extending the vary of transmission past the road of sight. The stratosphere’s secure temperature gradient additionally influences the refractive index of the air, additional affecting radio wave propagation. Variations in stratospheric situations, resembling sudden ionospheric disturbances attributable to photo voltaic flares, can disrupt radio communications, highlighting the dynamic nature of this interplay.
Sensible functions of this understanding embody optimizing radio frequencies for particular communication functions, designing antenna techniques, and predicting radio wave propagation paths. For instance, long-distance radio broadcasting makes use of ionospheric reflection for wider protection. Navigation techniques, resembling GPS, depend on exact timing alerts from satellites, and understanding the ionospheric delay of those alerts, partly influenced by the stratosphere, is essential for correct positioning. Additional analysis into stratospheric-ionospheric coupling and its results on radio wave propagation stays important for enhancing communication applied sciences and mitigating disruptions attributable to area climate occasions. This data is prime for making certain dependable communication and navigation techniques in numerous functions, together with aviation, maritime operations, and emergency response companies.
Steadily Requested Questions concerning the Stratosphere
This FAQ part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the stratosphere, offering concise and informative responses to boost understanding of this important atmospheric layer.
Query 1: Why is the stratosphere thought-about vital?
The stratosphere performs an important position in defending life on Earth by housing the ozone layer, which absorbs dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the solar. It additionally influences climate patterns and atmospheric circulation.
Query 2: What causes the temperature inversion within the stratosphere?
The absorption of UV radiation by ozone molecules throughout the stratosphere generates warmth, resulting in a rise in temperature with altitude, creating the attribute temperature inversion.
Query 3: How does the stratosphere affect climate within the troposphere?
Whereas climate phenomena happen primarily within the troposphere, the stratosphere can not directly affect climate patterns by affecting the jet stream and thru occasions like sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs).
Query 4: How do aerosols attain the stratosphere and what are their results?
Aerosols can attain the stratosphere by way of volcanic eruptions and enormous wildfires. These aerosols can stay suspended for prolonged intervals, affecting international local weather by reflecting daylight and influencing radiative steadiness.
Query 5: How does the stratosphere have an effect on radio wave propagation?
The ionosphere’s decrease portion, the D-region, overlaps with the higher stratosphere and influences radio wave propagation by absorbing decrease frequency radio waves and refracting larger frequency waves, enabling long-distance communication.
Query 6: What’s the significance of the 10-50 km altitude vary for the stratosphere?
The ten-50 km altitude vary defines the situation of the stratosphere, encompassing the area of highest ozone focus and the attribute temperature inversion that differentiates it from the troposphere.
Understanding the stratosphere’s distinctive traits, from its temperature profile to its affect on radio waves, is prime to comprehending broader atmospheric dynamics and the Earth’s local weather system.
Additional exploration can delve into particular matters associated to atmospheric chemistry, local weather change, and the continuing analysis efforts devoted to understanding and defending this important atmospheric layer.
Understanding and Defending the Stratosphere
The following tips supply steering on appreciating and safeguarding the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer essential for shielding life on Earth and influencing international local weather patterns. Understanding its perform and vulnerability is important for accountable environmental stewardship.
Tip 1: Reduce Ozone-Depleting Substances: Assist insurance policies and practices that section out the usage of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), resembling chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), previously utilized in refrigerants and aerosols. The continued discount of ODS is important for the continuing restoration of the ozone layer.
Tip 2: Advocate for Accountable Aviation Practices: Plane emissions can affect stratospheric ozone and contribute to local weather change. Supporting analysis and improvement of sustainable aviation fuels and applied sciences can reduce these impacts.
Tip 3: Assist Local weather Change Mitigation Efforts: Local weather change can affect stratospheric temperatures and ozone distribution, doubtlessly disrupting atmospheric circulation patterns. Decreasing greenhouse fuel emissions by way of sustainable practices is essential for mitigating these results.
Tip 4: Monitor Stratospheric Ozone Ranges: Continued monitoring of stratospheric ozone ranges offers crucial knowledge for assessing the effectiveness of ODS discount insurance policies and understanding long-term tendencies. Supporting scientific analysis and knowledge assortment efforts is important for knowledgeable decision-making.
Tip 5: Educate Others about Stratospheric Significance: Elevating public consciousness concerning the stratosphere’s position in defending life from UV radiation and influencing local weather can foster a way of shared duty for its preservation.
Tip 6: Perceive the Influence of Volcanic Eruptions: Giant volcanic eruptions can inject aerosols into the stratosphere, impacting local weather and atmospheric chemistry. Staying knowledgeable about these occasions and their potential impacts can facilitate knowledgeable discussions and responses.
Tip 7: Assist Analysis on Stratospheric Aerosol Impacts: Analysis on the results of aerosols on stratospheric chemistry, radiative forcing, and local weather is essential for growing correct local weather fashions and informing coverage choices. Supporting scientific inquiry on this space is significant for understanding and addressing environmental challenges.
By understanding the interconnectedness of the stratosphere with the Earth’s local weather system and embracing accountable environmental practices, people and communities can contribute to the long-term well being of this important atmospheric layer.
The next conclusion will synthesize key data and emphasize the continued significance of learning and defending the stratosphere for the advantage of current and future generations.
The Vital Position of the Stratosphere
Exploration of the stratosphere reveals its essential position in Earth’s atmospheric system. Positioned above the troposphere, the area the place most climate happens, the stratosphere reveals a singular temperature inversion attributable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation absorption by the ozone layer. This absorption course of shields life on Earth from dangerous UV radiation. The stratosphere’s secure temperature gradient additionally influences atmospheric circulation, aerosol dispersion, and radio wave propagation. Volcanic eruptions and human actions can affect stratospheric composition, affecting local weather and requiring ongoing monitoring. The particular altitude vary of 10-50 km defines the stratosphere’s boundaries and encompasses the ozone layer, crucial for UV safety. Understanding the interaction between the stratosphere and different atmospheric layers is prime to comprehending international local weather patterns and predicting future modifications.
Continued analysis and monitoring of the stratosphere are important for safeguarding this crucial atmospheric layer. Understanding the complicated interactions between the stratosphere and different parts of the Earth system is essential for mitigating the impacts of local weather change and preserving a liveable surroundings for future generations. A deeper understanding of atmospheric dynamics throughout the stratosphere holds the important thing to addressing present and future environmental challenges and making certain the long-term well being of the planet.
