Earth’s Ozone Layer In Recovery
- Gowri Rayannavar
- Jul 19
- 1 min read
The ozone layer is a region in the Earth's stratosphere located 15 to 35 kilometres above Earth's surface. Its main purpose is to act as an invisible shield and protect us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In particular, the ozone layer protects us from the radiation known as UV-B, which causes sunburn. Long-term exposure threatens human health and damages most animals, plants, and microbes. This makes the ozone layer crucial as it protects all life on Earth.
Over the last 50 years, it has been threatened by the accumulation of gases containing halogens (chlorine and bromine), especially in the Antarctic ozone layer. In 1985, scientists discovered a “hole” in the ozone layer over Antarctica that opened up during the austral spring, between September and December. This seasonal ozone depletion was caused by CFCs, which are chemicals that were then used in refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation, and aerosol propellants. However, recent studies have proven that the ozone layer has been in its recovery.
A new MIT-led study confirms that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing, as a direct result of global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances. The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that aimed to phase out the production of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances, in hopes of healing the ozone layer. The annual hole that opens above Antarctica has reportedly been relatively small in 2024 compared to other years as a result of less CFCs. NOAA and NASA scientists project that the ozone layer could fully recover by 2066.
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