Good news: the hole in the ozone layer has almost disappeared

Didn’t you see her go by? However, this is THE good environmental news for the beginning of the year. According to a United Nations report released in January, the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV rays and protects life on Earth, is being reformed. If all goes well, we would find a casing similar to that of the 80s (before the hole appeared, therefore) within four decades.

The hole in the ozone layer, a gap well above the Atlantic

But where does this gaping well that periodically deepens over Antarctica come from? Not surprisingly, human pollution is to blame for this phenomenon. At issue, the chlorofluorocarbons (also called CFCs, used in aerosol cans, insulation or some refrigerators) which dissociate ozone molecules, causing a little more depletion of the ozone layer every day.

Faced with this reality, in 1987, 195 states decided to take action, signing the Montreal Protocol with the aim of reducing the amount of CFCs in the atmosphere. For this reason, a first step had to be reached in 1998, consisting in reducing its use by 50%, in particular in the production of some objects of daily use, such as old refrigerators. The goal has been achieved, as the results testify. The collective effort continues and ends up bearing fruit: “Phasing nearly 99 percent of banned ozone-depleting substances has helped preserve the ozone layer and significantly contributed to its recovery in the upper stratosphere and the reduction of human radiation exposure. » welcome the experts from the United Nations, in the light of the latest data. Proof that only teamwork can really move the lines?

Proof that climate action is possible?

However, this news should demonstrate to current governments that, if it is not possible to stem global warming completely, it is still possible to limit its consequences with concrete actions. Good news that we hope will inspire our leaders and push them, finally, to assume their responsibilities in the fight against global warming.