The ozone hole in the Earth’s atmosphere was less than in 2020 to 2023. In the next decades it could be completely healed, It was introduced on Tuesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). According to DPA and AFP, TASR reports this.
The size of the ozone hole was also less than the average of 1990 to 2020. The reason was partly natural atmospheric phenomena causing annual fluctuations. However, the decisive factor was the reduction of the use of fabrics that damage the ozone layer in the past decadesstated in the WMO annual report.
They issued a report on the occasion of the International Ozone Protection Day and the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention, thanks to which the first measures to protect people and the planets from harmful UV radiation penetrating through the damaged ozone layer were taken.
The 1985 Convention was followed by the Montreal Protocol of September 16, 1987, which was aimed at the elimination of substances damaging ozone layer, such as chlorfluorous hydrocarbons used in cooling devices or aerosol sprays.
According to WMO, more than 99 percent of regulated substances damaging ozone layer have been completed. “As a result, it is assumed that the ozone layer will be restored to the level of the 80s of the 20th century by the middle of this century,“It says in Tuesday’s report. Analysis of 2022 estimated that Complete renewal is likely to be reached over the Arctic by 2045 and Antarctica by 2066.
“40 years ago, countries have joined together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer – under the leadership of science and unification in proceedings,” said UN Secretary -General António Guterres. “The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol have become a milestone of multilateral progress. Today the ozone layer is recovering. This success reminds us that when countries pay attention to science warnings, progress is possible”He said.
The ozone layer is part of the stratosphere up to 50 kilometers above the ground surface. If ozone was concentrated in this layer, it would represent a “three millimeter thickness”. Ozone (O3) absorbs ultraviolet radiation type C in the stratosphere and weakens the effect of type B ultraviolet radiation. Increased penetration of ultraviolet radiation B through the ozone layer seriously threatens human health and also has a negative effect on ecosystems.
