UN: Earth’s Ozone Layer Finally Heals

CAIRO, Nov. 5 (SEE)- In a recent United Nations (UN) environmental report, researches has stated that the Antarctic ozone hole is recovering.

“The Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion” has recorded decrease in the ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which proposed estimations that the hole is expected to close completely by 2060 returning to its 1980 values.

Since 1970, the ozone layer has been thinning thus scientists warned that ODS such as coolants and aerosols should be cut over.

Thanks to the 30-year-old Montreal Protocol designed to phase out ODS; the stratospheric layer that blocks harmful rays emitted from the sun to flood to Earth started to heal.

According to the report, since the year 2000 the upper stratospheric ozone has increased by 1–3% per decade.

Moreover, the report has stated that by 2030 the ozone layer over the Northern Hemisphere will be totally repaired, yet its southern counterpart still needs till mid-century to recover.

Both developed and developing countries have recorded increase in the emission of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), the substances that substitute ODS. 

Yet, ozone-eroding gases have been recorded above areas in East Asia- countries were not mentioned.

Researches has stated that if the Kigali Amendment, that is designed to ban more gases, is put into action, global temperature will not exceed the alarming 2°C mark.

The study is a 4-year compilation of monitoring the recovery of ozone in the stratosphere layer.