Thanks to decades of work to eliminate ozone-damaging chemicals, an international panel of experts supported by the United Nations found.
The ozone layer is essential for all living organisms on Earth. The stratosphere shields the environment and humans from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
After May 1985’s discovery of a hole within the ozone layer, experts alarmed the international community. Scientists had previously discovered that chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons, used in manufacturing aerosol sprays and used as solvents and refrigerants, could destroy ozone.
International bodies adopted the Montreal Protocol two years after discovering the terrible state of the ozone layer. This agreement established the phaseout for almost 100 synthetic chemicals, which were linked to the destruction and depletion of the vital ozone layer.
The U.N.-backed panel has confirmed that almost 99% of prohibited ozone-depleting chemicals have been phased-out in the latest report on the progress of Montreal Protocol.
The U.N. announced that if current policies are maintained, the ozone layer will recover to 1980 levels by 2040.
It may take longer in some areas. Experts predict that Antarctica will see a 1980-level recovery by 2066, and the Arctic by 2045.
Meg Seki (executive secretary of U.N.) stated that “the impact the Montreal Protocol had on climate change mitigation cannot been overstressed.” In a statement, Meg Seki, executive secretary of the U.N. Environment Programme’s Ozone Secretariat said. “Over the past 35 years, Protocol has been a true champion of the environment. The Scientific Assessment Panel continues to be a key component of the Protocol’s work, helping inform policy-makers and decision-makers.
Climate change is not caused by the loss of the ozone layer. Research is showing that efforts to preserve the ozone layer have been beneficial in fighting climate change.
An amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2016 required that certain hydrofluorocarbons were phased out. The U.N. states that although these HFCs do not directly affect the ozone layer but are powerful greenhouse gasses — which contribute to climate change and global warming.
According to the report, the Kigali Amendment will “avoid 0.3-0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100.”
Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, stated that “ozone action sets an example for climate action.” “Our success in eliminating ozone-eating chemicals has shown us what must be done, as a matter urgent, to shift away from fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gases while limiting temperature rise.”
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