Earthlings were relatively panic-stricken in the 1980’s, when Earth’s ozone layer developed gaping holes. Seniors remember learning the ozone layer protected them from ultraviolet light, and they could develop skin cancers. When they discovered their aerosols were damaging the global ozone layer, they demanded action from their governments.
Concerted Worldwide Effort Healing Global Ozone Layer
Fortunately this was a relatively simple problem politicians could get their minds around. They learned the global ozone layer comprised colorless oxygen modules six miles above Earth. These filtered out solar ultraviolet rays that otherwise could cause skin cancers, eye problems like cataracts, and crop damage.
Scientists explained how chlorofluorocarbon chemicals in spray cans, fridges, foam insulation and air conditioners were destroying the ozone layer. These chemicals were a volatile human invention, and we were producing billions of kilograms every year. By the 1990’s this simple problem had wiped out 10% of the upper global ozone layer.
How the World Stood Firmly Together Against Chlorofluorocarbons
Leaders from 180 countries gathered in Montreal in 1987 to sign on the Montreal Protocol. They committed to protecting the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of known ozone-depleting substances.
Fortunately for humanity they were of one accord, and there were no political conflicts either. Moreover, the governments themselves did not have to do much because they simply ordered their industries to get on with it. A United Nations report just confirmed the Northern Hemisphere could be fully repaired by the 2030s. Antarctica should follow by the 2060s. So all done and dusted, and problem gone.
But has the problem really gone away? The University of Colorado’s Brian Toon disagrees with the report. He says we have only made a start with repairing the global ozone layer. His concern is unregulated chemicals made in China for paint stripping products and for PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
That said, we have undoubtedly made good progress. So come on United Nations, let’s tackle global warming on the same basis. Because we just need to want to do it.
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