The ozone layer is gradually reverting to its previous state
The Ozone layer refers to the high concentration of Ozone gas (O3) found in the Stratosphere between 15 and 30 kilometers above Earth’s surface. It protects lives by absorbing harmful Ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays from the sun radiation and covering Earth.
Antarctic atmospheric scientists in 1985 noticed some problems in the Earth’s atmosphere by measuring the thickness of the ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere over the decades; they found that a particular gas layer was eroding most of the ozone layer due to solar radiation.
That erosion has created abnormal holes in the ozone layer. Ozone gas began to deplete in the 1970s. As a result, the ozone layer began to thin, especially around the pole.
After long experiments, scientists in the mid-eighties warned, “If the ozone layer continues is depleting in this way, it will disappear in the next few decades.” The absence of the ozone layer increases the rate of skin cancer, crop damage and destroys the seafood chain.
This discovery by scientists has caused worldwide panic. After that, a series of scientific, economic, and diplomatic meetings were held on how to protect the ozone layer.
Scientists experimentally found that Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) and other harmful gases are mostly liable for depleting the ozone layer. Most of these gases are synthetics, which are called Ozone-depleting substances (ODS). In Refrigerators and Air conditioners’ CFCs use as prion gas. Fire extinguishers and pesticides use some other Ozone-depleting gases.
To protect the ozone layer, Montreal Protocol was signed on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989 under the leadership of the UN. At that international treaty, the world leaders were agreed to ban the production and use of CFCs from restoring the ozone layer. Representatives of all countries agreed to conduct awareness campaigns at the UN General Assembly session.
As a result, the ozone layer is reversing to its previous state. Although yet not fully recovered. However, if we calculate the average and rate of depletion every year, it is seen that the holes created by ozone depletion are getting smaller.
Research shows that the level is wrong for some years and suitable for some years. For example, the hole created by erosion in 1970 was quite large. In 2019 again, the hole was observed tiny because of world regulation of Ozone Depletion gases.
However, researchers suspect the rate of declining the atmospheric CFCs indicates that not all the signatories to the treaty to ban the production of CFCs are not complying with the agreement.
In many ways, the international treaties of the eighties solved this complex problem of the ozone layer. CFCs are industry-friendly but explored the alternatives later. The world has been suffering from climate crises for decades. Affordable alternatives are now being developed to prevent the wastage of fossil fuels.
The ozone layer was being damaged over the last century. If we could spread the success of the ozone layer as an educational, inspiring, and triumphant story, it would motivate mass people to consider that the consequences of climate change are also reversible. However, we must work towards that goal relentlessly, with the same determination.
