Current location:health >>
Ozone layer's repair could slow climate change
health4People have gathered around
IntroductionAn influential panel of UN-backed scientists say that airborne chemicals that had been destroying th ...
An influential panel of UN-backed scientists say that airborne chemicals that had been destroying the ozone layer are now in decline for the first time, which could help repair the crucial layer that protects humans from the sun's most harmful rays.
The report, released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Monday, showed that there has been a thickening of the ozone layer — a part of the atmosphere up to 18 miles high that absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays and blocks them from the earth's surface.
Scientists believe that by 2040 worldwide, the ozone layer could now be on track to switch back to levels not seen since the 1980s, and by 2066 over Antarctica, where it had declined so much it had left a hole above the South Pole.
For decades, climate change activists have warned that the ozone layer was being depleted due to the increased use of harmful chemicals.
The chemicals damaged the crucial part of the atmosphere that protects humans from excess ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer and eye damage in humans. Ozone also protects plants from damage, enabling them to grow and store carbon dioxide in their leaves.
In the past few decades, several steps have been taken to aid in the restoration of the ozone layer. One, the Montreal Protocol, which came into force in 1989, was approved by every country worldwide.
It outlaws the manufacturing of chemicals that destroy the ozone when they mingle in the atmosphere.
The chemicals include chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, which have ozone-depleting chlorine and were generally used in refrigerators, aerosols and air conditioners.
Scientists said in the report that China had largely eliminated emissions of one of those chemicals.
Less use of 99 percent of the banned ozone-depleting substances has helped heal the ozone layer, the report said.
In September, the US ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which urges countries to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons, a greenhouse gas that warms the planet more than carbon dioxide.
Meg Seki, executive secretary of the UNEP's Ozone Secretariat hailed the move and other initiatives for slowing climate change.
Seki said in a statement: "That ozone recovery is on track according to the latest quadrennial report is fantastic news. The impact the Montreal Protocol has had on climate change mitigation cannot be overstressed.
"Over the last 35 years, the Protocol has become a true champion for the environment."
The report's findings were presented at the American Meteorological Society's 103rd annual meeting in Denver.
The research used data from the WMO, UNEP, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA and the European Commission.
Key findings suggest that chlorine, which is ozone-damaging, declined 11.5 percent in the stratosphere between 1993 and 2020. Bromine declined 14.5 percent in the stratosphere from a high in 1999 and 2020.
WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas said in a statement: "Ozone action sets a precedent for climate action. Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us what can and must be done — as a matter of urgency — to transition away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and so limit temperature increase."
The scientists also examined what the potential effects on ozone would be if aerosols were intentionally injected into the stratosphere. Known as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), it is thought that this method could reduce climate warming by increasing sunlight reflection.
However, the panel warned that the unintended consequences of SAI "could affect stratospheric temperatures, circulation and ozone production and destruction rates and transport".
Thanu Yakupitiyage, communication director of 350 Action, an organization that mobilizes progressive voters and looks to get climate champions elected, wants to see the US government do even more to combat climate change.
Yakupitiyage told China Daily: "Achieving social and economic transformation means we need to see elected officials at all levels, committed to doing everything it takes to protect people and the planet, and it has to be a high priority for all elected officials."
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“International Intuition news portal”。http://bulgaria.3elevenboutique.com/article-0e399909.html
Related articles
Supreme Court rejects an appeal from a Canadian man once held at Guantanamo
healthWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanam ...
【health】
Read moreSeattle Storm become 2nd WNBA team to open their own practice facility
healthSEATTLE (AP) — Alisha Valavanis walked around as the new performance center for the Seattle Storm wa ...
【health】
Read moreGroup condemns 'humiliating searches' by security at Barcelona stadium
healthPARIS (AP) — The director of a group that advocates for female sports fans says she and other Paris ...
【health】
Read more
Popular articles
- Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
- UConn forward Alex Karaban declares for NBA draft while retaining college eligibility
- Tennessee lawmakers approve $52.8B spending plan as hopes of school voucher agreement flounder
- Irina Shayk the sizzling supermodel rocks saucy triple
- Eleanor Tomlinson puts on a leggy display in sparkly black minidress as she joins co
- Montreal scores twice in final minutes and rallies to beat Minnesota 4
Latest articles
Who is Abi Carter? Inside the American Idol winner's unconventional family life
The 49ers are slated to pick in the 1st round for the 1st time since 2021
Commanders are in line to take a quarterback with the NFL draft's 2nd pick
Ibotta IPO: Shares of Walmart
DR MARTIN SCURR: How losing your hearing may cause dementia
The Dallas Stars have a big age gap with players who have come together for No. 1 seed in the West
LINKS
- White House opposes potential stand
- Nokia sees double
- UK police say they disrupted cyber fraud network that stole personal data from thousands
- Germany arrests 2 for allegedly spying for Russia, plotting sabotage to undermine Ukraine aid
- Urgent warning over shortages of life
- Hollyoaks star Theo Graham is the latest actor to leave the soap amid massive cast cull
- Croatia election: A showdown between president and prime minister
- Sarah Paulson, 49, talks aging gracefully without Botox: 'I don't shoot anything into my face'
- Choctaw artist Jeffrey Gibson is first Native American to represent the US solo at Venice Biennale
- Annie Kilner is seen for the first time since welcoming her fourth son with husband Kyle Walker