Headline24jam.com – Ozone hole over Antarctica shows signs of healing, according to the latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This update indicates that the ozone layer is on target to fully recover by the end of the century due to concerted international efforts and scientific advancements.
Update on the Ozone Hole
The 2024 WMO Ozone Bulletin reports a significant reduction in the size of the ozone hole compared to previous years. This change is partly attributed to natural atmospheric fluctuations, but it also reflects a broader trend toward recovery.
In 2024, global stratospheric ozone levels were higher than in recent years. Over Antarctica, the peak ozone depletion occurred on September 29, marking a maximum deficit of 46.1 million tonnes. This figure is significantly smaller than the unusually large ozone holes observed between 2020 and 2023 and is well below the average from 1990 to 2020.
The Importance of the Ozone Layer
The ozone layer, situated 15 to 30 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, serves as a protective barrier against harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Without it, there would be an increased risk of skin cancer, cataracts, immune system damage, and disruptions to ecosystems, particularly affecting oceanic plankton.
Historical Context
The ozone hole was first identified in the late 1970s and 1980s, primarily due to the degradation caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were commonly utilized in aerosol sprays, refrigerants, and solvents.
CFCs release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules. In response, the global community united, leading to the 1987 Montreal Protocol. This landmark agreement saw 197 countries and the European Union phase out CFCs and implement measures to ban future ozone-depleting chemicals.
Remarks from Leaders
António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, noted, “Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer – guided by science, united in action. Today, the ozone layer is healing." He emphasized that this achievement showcases the potential for progress when science is heeded.
Research conducted earlier this year by MIT confirmed that ozone layer recovery is genuinely occurring, attributed to the reduction of harmful chemicals rather than changes in weather patterns.
Future Projections
If current policies remain effective, the ozone layer is expected to fully recover over Antarctica by approximately 2066, by 2045 over the Arctic, and by 2040 for the rest of the world.
Challenges Ahead
The success of the Montreal Protocol raises a crucial question regarding climate change: Can the world replicate this effort for climate issues? Professor John Pyle, a prominent atmospheric chemist, remarked that the climate challenge is much more complex than the ozone situation.
Jonathan Shanklin, who documented early ozone depletion, emphasized the urgency of addressing exponential growth in emissions to prevent future problems.
The healing of the ozone layer stands as a testament to international cooperation and scientific understanding, highlighting the importance of action on global environmental issues.
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