How successful have we been in reducing ozone depletion?

Ozone (O3) is a naturally-occurring, highly reactive gas made up of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is formed by the interaction of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) and molecular oxygen (O2) high above the earth’s surface. The stratospheric ozone layer extends from about six (6) to thirty (30) miles above the earth and is crucial for limiting (filtering) the UV rays from the sun. As increased UV rays reach the earth, humans sunburn faster and the earth’s surface is warmed above the normal average temperature, therefore adding to the global warming problem. Reports show, on average, that humans sunburn 10% faster today than thirty (30) years ago.

The realization that there was a potential problem with the ozone layer goes back to the 1970’s. Scientists discovered that chloroflurocarbons (CFC’s) found in aerosol cans and refrigerators were attacking the atmospheric ozone. CFC’s were converting O3 back to O2, which does nothing to filter UV rays. Although scientists of the time knew there was a problem, they believed it was a gradually worsening problem that could be dealt with over time. It was assumed that gradual cutbacks in the manufacture and use of these chemicals would be sufficient to prevent disaster.

No one expected what would happen in 1985 when scientists discovered a sudden loss of ozone resulting in an enormous hole above Antarctica. By 1987 the threat of ozone depletion had spread north and jolted the developed nations of the world into action. The Montreal Protocol was formed and dictated the immediate reduction of CFC’s by 50%. Most critics did not believe 50% reduction would be enough to avert disaster.

By 1996 CFC’s had been completely phased out in developed nations and the undeveloped nations would follow. Now scientists could only wait to see what might result. This was an historic time for international cooperation for the sake of human life on earth. Never before had so many nations been able to work together on such a scale and with such speed and intention.

Dr. Paul Fraser is the director of research at the Cape Shank and Cape Grim research stations in Antarctica. He reports that ozone-depleting CFC’s have either stopped growing or started to be removed from the atmosphere. Although most experts agree that harmful CFC’s, released decades ago, will continue to damage the ozone layer for decades more, most also agree that the damage has dramatically slowed.

Long-term atmospheric measurements are being collated by Dr. David Kirby of the Atmospheric Research Institute and indicate that ozone levels have begun to stabilize. Dr. Kirby is confident the ozone layer can recover if no further ozone-depleting chemicals are released into the atmosphere.

Dr. Fraser believes the Montreal Protocol has shown us that the nations of the world can work together to solve problems that threaten life on earth, however, more cooperation is needed to conquer the larger problem of global warming.

It would seem that the question of have we been successful in reducing ozone depletion is contingent on certain definitions. First, we have eliminated the use of CFC’s thanks to international cooperation. That on-going damage is reducing and the ozone layer appears to be stabilized.

However, there is still the problem of auto exhaust emissions and other carbon gas-producing machines and industry. As these gases gather in the atmosphere, UV rays are intensified before reaching the earth’s surface. Therefore, even increased amounts of ozone are overshadowed by carbon gases increasing the strength of UV rays. Yes, we have slowed the depletion of the ozone layer and that is to be commended. We still have many hurdles ahead of us before we can claim to have conquered global warming.