Who is to blame for the hole in the ozone layer?
CFCs
Unfortunately a number of man-made chemical compounds are responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. CFCs are the chief culprits as these chemicals persist in the atmosphere for over 100 years, meaning they are intact when they migrate up to the ozone layer.
How did the Montreal Protocol help to protect the ozone layer?
The Montreal Protocol, finalized in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
How did Australia get a hole in the ozone layer?
The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs the biologically damaging wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) rays but in the 1970s, Australia’s ozone layer was severely thinned as a consequence of heavy use of ozone-depleting, substances such as chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) and hydro-chloroflurocarbons (HCFCs).
Did the hole in the ozone layer close in 2020?
Scientists from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service confirm that the 2021 Antarctic ozone hole has almost reached its end, following a season with a considerably large and prolonged ozone hole. Its closure will occur only a few days earlier than in 2020, which was the longest lived since 1979.
Who first discovered ozone?
2 When was ozone discovered? Ozone is a naturally occurring substance which was first made in the laboratory in 1839 by German scientist Christian Friedrich Schönbein (1840a, 1840b). Schönbein was interest- ed in discovering the origin of the odour produced by certain chemical and electrical processes.
Why was the Montreal Protocol so effective?
Achieving universal ratification, the Protocol has been extremely successful in this original aim of cutting the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, with nearly 99% of ozone-depleting substances phased-out to date.
Is Montreal Protocol legally binding?
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding with mandatory targets for countries. Before the Kigali meeting, India was one of the four parties to submit a proposal to phase down HFCs.
What is the current status of the ozone?
On October 7, 2021, scientists recorded a total-column ozone concentration of 102 Dobson units, the 8th-lowest level since 1986. Prior to the emergence of the ozone hole in the 1970s, average ozone above the South Pole in September and October ranged from 250 to 350 Dobson units.
What is the status of ozone layer now?
On 27 October, NASA and NOAA confirmed the 2021 ozone hole reached its maximum area on October 7, peaking at 9.6 million square miles (24.8 million square kilometers) – roughly the size of North America – ranking it the 13th largest since 1979.