One of lime and one of sand. Although we have just learned the results of the latest report on the Copernicus program, which states that 2022 fifth hottest year As long as the records exist, this week has also been a place for good environmental news. The point is that, according to the latest World Meteorological Organization, hole in the ozone layerHe is recovering at a very good rate. So much so that for 2040 could be reborn in most countries of the world to 2045 over the Arctic and 2066 in Antarctica, where it currently has the greatest extent.
This type of data has been collected once every four years since the signing of the agreement in 1987. Montreal Protocol. At the same time, measures were established consisting in the prohibition of those substances that depleted the ozone layer, and thanks to this it was possible to gradually close this dangerous hole.
Since then, some steps have been taken back, with the advent of new openings. However, it is recovering at a good pace, which we can see in every new report.
ozone hole diggers
The ozone layer protects us from the most harmful radiation from the sun. For this reason, the hole, which began to form in it in the early 80s, puts all the inhabitants of the Earth in serious danger. For example, the likelihood of developing cancer changes that these radiations cause in DNA.
This led many scientists to try to unravel the origin of the hole in the ozone layer in the 1980s, nip it in the bud and prevent further damage. The main studies in this regard were carried out by chemists Mario Molina and Frank Sherwood Rowland. Both found that substances widely used in the production of aerosols chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), they gradually weakened this natural shield of the Earth. At first they were not taken seriously, but over time it turned out that they were right, and for their research they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
CFCs have been banned by the Montreal Protocol and their use has been phased out worldwide, with very positive consequences for the hole in the ozone layer. Unfortunately, his first replacements were hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)which do not affect the ozone layer but may contribute global warming.
half solutions
After the negative effects of HFCs were discovered, they were gradually regulated without losing sight of the hole in the ozone layer. This issue is also addressed in the latest report, which concludes that HFC containment measures can reduce global temperatures. from 0.3°C to 0.5°C.
Therefore, this would be another positive. But there is also some darkness in the report. And lies in the fact that it appeals to the danger of the measure, which is precisely aimed at reduce global warming.
It’s about stratospheric aerosol injection. This is a desperate act of engineering, consisting, as the name suggests, of injecting an aerosol into the stratosphere in order to lower the temperature. This is achieved by darkening, similar to that caused by the ash emissions of some volcanoes.
This will not be a permanent action, but a temporary measure to mitigate the rapid rise in global temperatures. This has not yet been done, but the possibility of carrying it out with various substances, incl. sulphur dioxide. And this is a problem, because yes, the rate of global warming can be reduced, but it will harm our protective shield.
A new hole in the ozone layer is a very expensive price to pay, especially now, when it seems that its closing is already close. Therefore, ideally, it would be possible to conduct both battles in parallel, without interfering with one another. Let’s hope that humanity does not feel compelled to make decisions. Drink environmental solutions sometimes we are not very good at it.
Source: Hiper Textual
