Ozone, as a chemical element, very dangerous for the human body. However, being at an altitude of 20 km, it protects our planet from ultraviolet rays that can cause cancer in humans skin and cause global warming. To prevent destruction of the ozone layer under the influence of chemicals, in 1985, the country has signed the Montreal Protocol banning the production of dangerous chemicals. The recent UN report showed that thanks to this agreement, humanity has achieved amazing results — the ozone layer really started to recover.
According to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Montreal Protocol is considered one of the most successful international agreements in history. It is estimated that since 2000 the amount of ozone in the stratosphere has increased by 3%. Since the assessment layer, in 2014, it was observed that the concentration of molecules of chlorine and bromine, which are the main destroyers of the ozone layer is also decreased. It is believed that with the pace of healing, the ozone layer covering the Northern hemisphere, will return to acceptable condition by 2030. Protection of the stratospheric South pole will be able to recover only by 2060.
It is noteworthy that these positive predictions are not a reason to relax. The ozone layer can be destroyed under the influence of other substances not yet included in the Montreal Protocol. In this regard, it often changes — for example, in 2016, 150 countries agreed to limit emissions of hydrofluorocarbons. They were used in refrigerators and air conditioners is prohibited chlorofluorocarbons despite the fact that can accumulate in the atmosphere for hundreds of years in a row.
Also do not forget that the ozone hole has a property stronger depending on the season. For example, in November 2015, the area of destruction over Antarctica reached 26 million square meters.
What do you think, to what the ozone layer is finally restored? Your assumptions, you can write in comments and discuss the topic — in our Telegram chat.