The Ozone layer is protecting us from harmful rays of the sun. The layer has lost its thickness leading to the formation of ozone holes. The main cause of depletion of the layer is the emission of chemicals like CFC’S and HCFC’S.
Montreal protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer. It ensures ozone protection by phasing out chemicals that are responsible for ozone depletion. The Montreal Protocol has successfully phased out or is in the process of phasing out several ozone-depleting substances. The treaty helped in healing the ozone holes. This is an important goal because ozone layer protects us from exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Scientists observed that the ozone hole builds up over the winter months, peaking at around September and breaking up again by December in Antarctica. In 2017, the hole was observed to be around 20 million square kilometers – which is below the average of 26 million square kilometers. This is the smallest ozone hole observed since 1988.
Also, scientists have used NASA’s Aura satellite’s data to observe the levels of ozone-destroying chlorine. From the observations and data collected was a proof for declining levels of ozone-destroying chlorine. This results in less ozone depletion. These observations prove that Montreal protocol followed by the countries is helping the ozone to recover slowly.
Future of ozone layer is also linked with climate change and global warming. The troposphere is becoming warmer due to greenhouse gases and stratosphere is becoming cooler. In a cooler stratosphere, ozone loss creates a cooling effect that results in further ozone depletion.
It would take decades to cleanse all the ozone-depleting chemicals from the atmosphere. Based on studies made in laboratories and on models of stratosphere scientists say that the ozone layer is in the track of recovery. Montreal protocol would help to achieve the goal by around 2060.
For every environmental agreement like Montreal protocol, it is important that the nations work for it and aim for long-term sustainable goals to achieve. Montreal protocol has shown a positive effect on ozone recovery after 2 decades. Further action would help our future generation to eliminate ozone hole completely.