Ozonosphere: Ozone layer: the wound will close in 2066

By 2066, the ozone layer will have fully recovered thanks to a worldwide ban on the use of chemicals that caused a hole in the ozonosphere over the Antarctic, according to estimates from the UN.

Scientists indicate that, if current policies are maintained, by 2066 the ozone layer in Antarctica will have recovered to 1980 levels. In the Arctic, recovery will occur more quickly, in 2045, while in the rest of the world it will be in 2040.

“The ozone layer is recovering, which is fantastic news. The extent to which the Montreal Protocol has contributed to climate change mitigation has never been emphasized enough. Over the past 35 years, the Protocol has become a true champion of the environment,” said Meg Seki, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Ozone Secretariat.

A reform to the Montreal Protocol approved in 2016 requires the gradual elimination of the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which, although they do not directly damage ozone, do contribute to climate change.

“Assessments and reviews by the Scientific Assessment Panel continue to be an essential component of the Protocol’s work, helping to inform policy and decision-makers,” Seki added.

According to the Protocol’s scientific panel, phasing out the use of HFCs will reduce global warming by 0.3 to 0.5 degrees by 2100.

Other risks

The group of scientists also warned about the possible negative effects of the injection into the stratosphere of products to reduce climate change.

The so-called Stratospheric Injection of Aerosols (IEA) has been proposed as a possible method to limit the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface and thus reduce climate change.

However, the scientific panel warned that the IEA could affect stratospheric temperatures, the circulation and production of ozone, as well as the destruction and transport rates of the gas.

The ozone layer, or ozonosphere, is an area of ​​the stratosphere that shields the planet from ultraviolet rays emitted by the Sun. The ozonosphere absorbs between 97 and 99 percent of ultraviolet radiation.

Without the protection of ozone, a gas made up of three oxygen atoms, ultraviolet radiation from the Sun would irreversibly damage life on the planet.

Did you know?

The ozone layer is located between 15 and 20 kilometers above the earth’s surface.

Because it is important?

Atmospheric ozone absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, especially harmful UVB rays. Exposure to these rays is related to an increased risk of skin cancer and cataracts, as well as damage to plants and marine ecosystems.

It may also interest you: Greenhouse gases soar in 2021: UN

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