WMO and UNEP: Ozone layer will recover in the coming decades
Holes in the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, can be completely patched in a few decades. Such an optimistic forecast is presented in the Executive Summary to “Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2018”, published by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme. According to the latest study, which is updated every four years, the ozone layer is currently recovering at a rate of 1-3% per decade. At this rate, it can be fully rehabilitated over the Northern hemisphere by 2030, over the Southern hemisphere by 2050, and over the polar regions by 2060. The findings of the report are eloquent evidence of the internationally concerted efforts and the measures taken in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, which led to the reduction of emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. “The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful multilateral agreements in history for a reason,” said Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment. “The careful mix of authoritative science and collaborative action that has defined the Protocol for more than 30 years and was set to heal our ozone layer is precisely why the Kigali Amendment holds such promise for climate action in future.” The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to minimize the use of hydrofluorocarbons in cooling systems. The amendment, which has been ratified by 46 countries, will become effective from 1 January 2019. According to the report, the Kigali Amendment is projected to reduce future global average warming in 2100 due to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from a baseline of 0.3-0.5 °C to less than 0.1 °C by 2100. This can play a significant role in the context of maintaining an acceptable global temperature growth below 2°C.
