“The signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987 and subsequent amendments remains the best initiative to protect the ozone layer and reduce the size of the ozone hole,” he told Soziable.es. Mark Parrington, senior scientist at CAMS, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (European Union Earth Observation Program).
The latest update from the Montreal Protocol Scientific Assessment Panel confirmed that ozone layer recovery is on track Antarctic ozone levels are expected to return to 1980 levels around 2066.
According to Mark Parrington: “Human-caused emissions of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances remain the main processes affecting the ozone layer and the Antarctic ozone hole.” However, nature itself sometimes becomes a threat, as is the case with some natural disasters, and so Parrington explains: “Large-scale atmospheric disturbances caused by volcanic eruptions can also affect the formation and size of the disrupt the ozone hole. through effects on atmospheric dynamics.”, reduced temperatures and particles/ash that provide nuclei for the formation of polar stratospheric clouds, which play a key role in activating chemical reactions that lead to ozone loss.”
In this sense, the work of CAMS, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, is essential. As the scientist points out, “Continuous, long-term observations of ozone from satellites, balloons, and ground-based remote sensors are also essential for monitoring the health of the ozone layer and are fundamental to our ozone hole monitoring,” in Copernicus.”
Climate change and health
The Montreal Protocol prohibits substances that deplete the ozone layer, which then slowly recovers. This treaty also protects millions of people from skin cancer and cataracts protects ecosystems and slows down climate change, as many substances that deplete the ozone layer were also climate-warming gases.
Australia is known for its sunny weather and some regions and cities such as Sydney experience sunny days almost all year round. But there is something behind it a worrying trend: Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Statistics suggest two out of three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. The main cause of this is the Australian population’s prolonged exposure to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a harmful form of radiant energy from the sun.
“The ozone layer plays a fundamental protective role by filtering the sun’s most energetic ultraviolet radiation.”
The large amount of ozone in the stratosphere is called the ozone layer and plays a fundamental role in protection at altitude Filtering the most energetic ultraviolet radiation come from the sun and be harmful to life on earth.
Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. A common misconception is that sunlight (visible radiation) and heat (infrared radiation) burn skin and cause cancer. That’s why many people use the weather forecast instead of the UV forecast to assess their risk of sunburn. But ultraviolet radiation is invisible and not noticeable. Even on cold, cloudy days, UV radiation can be harmfully high.
“Ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer.”
Therefore, the double effect of the measures taken to protect the ozone layer is important, because as reported in our country by the AEMET (State Meteorological Agency), The Montreal Treaty not only led to the restoration of the ozone layer, but with its Kigali Amendment it also prevented the emission of HFCs, substitutes for CFCs, which are powerful greenhouse gases. with an average lifespan of more than 50 years.
According to Professor Petteri Taalas, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, the ozone protection measures set a precedent for climate protection
According to Professor Petteri Taalas, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization: “The ozone protection measures set a precedent for climate protection.” The success achieved by the progressive elimination of ozone-depleting chemicals shows us what can and should be done urgently avoiding fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thus limiting the rise in temperature.
However, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) requires greater support, Universal ratification of the amendment and its full implementation are critical for several reasons, including the increased need for air conditioning in homes, schools and workplaces due to a warming planet. This increase in differential cooling needs must be sustainable, which means finding safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to HFCs and increasing the energy efficiency of cooling devices. By phasing out HFCs, the Kigali Amendment could prevent warming of up to 0.5°C by 2100. By implementing energy efficiency measures, this number could potentially double.
“While the damage we have caused to the ozone layer has not yet been reversed, there is already scientific evidence that it is healing.”
According to the United Nations The ozone layer will return to its 1980 state (before the ozone hole occurred) in 2040. The most persistent ozone holes over the Arctic and Antarctic were expected to recover in 2045 and 2066, respectively.. Today, almost all ozone-depleting chemicals banned by the Montreal Protocol have been phased out, but some harmful gases continue to be used.
The Montreal Protocol is widely praised as a major environmental success. Although the damage we have done to the ozone layer has not yet been reversed, there is already scientific evidence that the ozone layer is healing.
What we can do
The Ozone Secretariat of the UN Environment Program offers a number of Practical tips that every citizen can adapt their everyday life to contribute to restoring the ozone layer and reducing climate change:
– Avoid excessive sun exposure Wear sunglasses and sunscreen and check the UV index.
– Insulate walls, doors and windows appropriate to improve energy efficiency.
– Use devices responsibly: Dispose of appliances and equipment containing refrigerants responsibly; Buy appliances that are labeled “ozone-friendly” or “HCFC-free” or have an energy efficiency label. Set the refrigerator and freezer thermostat to the appropriate temperature and avoid temperatures that are too low. Setting the air conditioning thermostat warmer also saves energy. Turn off the computer when not in use as even standby mode uses power. Place the refrigerator so that air can easily circulate through the back, and never next to an oven or dishwasher. Regularly clean the back of the refrigerator where the condenser is located and defrost the freezer regularly.
– Around Air conditioning: Choose the right size and install it outside in the shade. Use blinds if there is too much sunlight. Keep rooms cool at night through ventilation, if possible without air conditioning; By increasing the temperature and setting a higher thermostat on your air conditioner, you will save a lot of energy. The use of fans can reduce the need for additional cooling.
