According to the assessment of 300 scientists, the Earth’s protective ozone layer should recover by the middle of the century
The ozone layer is on the road to recovery, but unified action is still needed to help prevent continued fluctuations, states a document published by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization.
According to the assessment of 300 scientists, the Earth’s protective ozone layer should recover by the middle of the century.
The ozone layer is the fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, helping to preserve life on the planet.
“International action on the ozone layer is a major environmental success story. This should encourage us to display the same level of urgency and unity to tackle the even greater challenge of climate change,” said W.M.O. Secretary-General Michel Jarraud.
The scientists noted that the ozone layer’s recovery is attributed to the Montreal Protocol, which since 1987, has led countries to reduce and then phase out the use of ozone-depleting chemicals.
It is estimated that without the help of the Montreal Protocol, atmospheric levels of ozone-depleting substances could have increased tenfold by 2050.
“However, the challenges that we face are still huge. The success of the Montreal Protocol should encourage further action not only on the protection and recovery of the ozone layer but also on climate,” said U.N.E.P. Executive Director Achim Steiner.
“The Montreal Protocol community, with its tangible achievements, is in a position to provide strong evidence that global cooperation and concerted action are the key ingredients to secure the protection of our global commons,” Mr. Steiner explained.
However, despite the ozone layer recovering, the authors noted that what happens to the ozone layer in the second half of the 21st century will still largely depend on the concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – the three main long-lived greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. – EcoSeed Staff