Guest Post: Healing The Ozone--Proof That Change Is Possible

By Isabella S., Virginia

The ozone layer, a topic brought up in conversations ranging from science projects to daily news, often evokes discouraging and despairing thoughts, leaving me and plenty of others shrouded in pessimism about the state of our planet’s health.

Well, the ozone layer has healed remarkably well within the past few decades and is proof of the impact that we can make through our actions.

Some background information: 

The ozone layer, found in the upper stratosphere, protects us by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can cause skin cancer and contribute to global warming. In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in products like aerosol sprays and refrigerants, were depleting the ozone layer. CFCs break down into chlorine under the sun's radiation, which then destroys ozone molecules.

That’s really scary right?

Well, our earth’s current health status is largely thanks to the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental treaty that regulates the production of nearly 100 man-made chemicals to slow the depletion of the ozone layer. This protocol was signed by all countries over the world in September 1987. 

Since the pact was signed, our ozone layer has been slowly but surely recovering from the damages obtained in the previous few decades. 

Here are a few promising statistics:

1. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 health values by 2040.

   1. Above the Antarctic, this recovery is expected by around 2066, and by 2045 over the Arctic. 

2. Chlorine (a CFC) levels are down nearly 12% in the past four decades, and bromine (also a CFC) has dropped 15%!

Is the ozone layer fully recovered? No, and it likely will not return to pre-1900s condition  without a few more decades, however the most important detail to note through our experience healing the ozone layer is the proof that our actions, our thoughts and our goals shape our world. The ozone layer would still be on a rapid decline if not for the unified decision to discontinue CFCs. So if you ever find yourself believing that the battle against climate change is futile, look up and think about our healing ozone layer.