The ozone layer may be restored in decades. It will depend on the success of ongoing efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances. Earth’s atmosphere protects life from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It was discovered in the 1970s that the use of certain chemicals. Such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), was causing the ozone layer to be thin. Leading to the creation of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. This international treaty aims to phase out the use of ozone-depleting substances. It has successfully reduced the levels of these chemicals in the atmosphere. As a result, the ozone layer has shown signs of recovery. It is expected to recover within the next few decades fully. However, it is essential to continue efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances to ensure the full recovery of the ozone layer.
UN Claims
The UN claims that human efforts to preserve the ozone layer have been successful and that it may recover in a matter of decades. The extensive study notes that an international agreement to stop using the toxic chemicals that harmed the layer in 1987 has been successful.The majority of the UV light from the Sun is absorbed by the ozone layer, a thin layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. This radiation can reach the surface when depleted, posing a risk to people and other living things.
The Damage
Sunburn and DNA damage from ultraviolet rays can raise the long-term risk of conditions, including skin cancer.
Back in 1900’s
In the 1970s, the ozone layer started to thin out.The Antarctic ozone hole stopped growing in 2000 when its size and depth steadily increased.The Montreal Protocol is currently working as intended, according to a report co-produced by the UN, US, and EU organizations.According to the report, if existing policies are upheld, the ozone layer will be restored to values from 1980, before the ozone hole first developed, at various times and locations:
- The Antarctic, where ozone depletion was at its worst, in 2066
- Over the Arctic in 2045
- Approximately twenty years from now, everywhere else
Despite being damaged owing to solar radiation, ozone depletion is not the primary driver of climate change.However, the paper asserts that protecting the ozone layer has reduced global warming because some toxic compounds phased out are potent greenhouse gases.
Conclusion
The researchers concluded that compared to expanding their use by 3% annually, the phase-out will have averted up to 1C of warming by the middle of the century.The report has been hailed as excellent news and proof that swift, global action to avert environmental crises may be effective. Still, it also warns that ongoing progress on the ozone layer is not assured.For instance, plans to prevent global warming by injecting millions of tonnes of sulfur dioxide into the high atmosphere or stratospheric aerosol injection might significantly halt the ozone layer’s recovery.
