The battle for the ozone layer "a major global success"

It is sometimes described as the crisis that the world's countries actually managed to solve. Now, researchers have discovered a decline in the levels of the harmful gases that break down the ozone layer earlier than expected.

» Updated:

» Published:

The battle for the ozone layer "a major global success"
Photo: Foto: Jungfrau.ch/TT

Share this article

It is sometimes described as the crisis that the world's countries actually managed to solve. Now, researchers have discovered a decline in the levels of harmful gases that break down the ozone layer earlier than expected.

The alarm sounded in the 1970s. Human use of freon in refrigerators and spray cans risked thinning out the ozone layer that protects against the sun's UV radiation. To limit the use of freon, the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987.

Nearly three decades later, researchers describe the efforts to save the ozone layer as a "major global success". Concentrations of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), another harmful gas that makes holes in the ozone layer, reached their peak in 2021 and have decreased since then – five years earlier than expected, according to a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

"Successful"

Although the decrease between 2021 and 2023 was less than 1 per cent, researchers point out that HCFC levels are going in the right direction. Many of the long-lived substances that break down ozone are also powerful greenhouse gases that warm the planet – so if they decrease, it also slows down climate change, the researchers emphasize.

The results highlight the importance of establishing and following international protocols, says lead author Luke Western from the University of Bristol.

At Chalmers University of Technology, infrared spectroscopic measurements of the sun have been carried out for 30 years. Based on these, it is possible to calculate the concentration of different substances in the atmosphere.

“We have seen that the concentration of HCFC-22 (the most common HCFC) has started to stabilise in the entire atmosphere (including the upper atmosphere), which confirms the trend reported by Wester et al. in the Nature article”, writes Professor Johan Mellqvist in a comment to TT.

He agrees that “the Montreal Protocol has been very successful”.

HCFC is less harmful to the ozone layer than banned freons but can still cause damage. The world has therefore agreed to abandon these chemicals as well.

They have been replaced with, among other things, hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) – which spare the ozone layer but contribute to rising temperatures. Despite an agreement being signed in 2016 to reduce the use of HFC, they are still used in a range of products.

Tougher battle

A bigger nut to crack will be to abandon climate-damaging fossil fuels, according to Western. The Montreal Protocol affected a relatively small industry and only required companies to change their products – not their entire business.

In a way, it's now a bigger beast that must be defeated, says Western to The Washington Post about the fight against climate change.

Signed in 1987 to limit the use and emissions of substances, primarily freons and halons, that damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere. Has been ratified by 197 states and the EU (2023). The terms have been tightened over time.

Thanks to the global reduction in emissions of ozone-depleting chemicals due to the Montreal Protocol, the increase in atmospheric concentrations has stopped and for some substances has begun to decrease. The ozone hole over Antarctica will likely remain until around 2050.

Source: Nationalencyklopedin

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Train Traffic Resumes on Botniabanan After Weather Disruptions

Train Traffic Resumes on Botniabanan After Weather Disruptions

Man Detained for Murder in Skåne Skurup Municipality

Man Detained for Murder in Skåne Skurup Municipality

Rapper Sentenced to Prison for Ordering Murder of Rival

Rapper Sentenced to Prison for Ordering Murder of Rival

Teen Detained in Connection to Örebro Mosque Murder

Teen Detained in Connection to Örebro Mosque Murder

Social Democrats Urge Enhanced Protection for Elected Officials

Social Democrats Urge Enhanced Protection for Elected Officials

Two Men Detained in Kalix Murder Investigation

Two Men Detained in Kalix Murder Investigation

Russian Drones Deliberately Breach Polish Airspace, Says Swedish PM

Russian Drones Deliberately Breach Polish Airspace, Says Swedish PM

Sweden Boosts Defense with Borrowed Funds for Faster Buildup

Sweden Boosts Defense with Borrowed Funds for Faster Buildup

Stockholm Demands Repayment from Avarn Security for Double Billing

Stockholm Demands Repayment from Avarn Security for Double Billing

Man Sentenced to Six Years for Eleven Rapes in Jämtland County

Man Sentenced to Six Years for Eleven Rapes in Jämtland County

Gang Leader and Accomplice Captured After Borås Detention Center Escape

Gang Leader and Accomplice Captured After Borås Detention Center Escape

Västernorrland Uses Satellite Support to Assess Flood Impact

Västernorrland Uses Satellite Support to Assess Flood Impact

Mother of Six Finds Solace in City Mission's Support

Mother of Six Finds Solace in City Mission's Support

Police Launch National Security Measures for 2026 Election

Police Launch National Security Measures for 2026 Election

Live Explosive Object Secured by Bomb Squad in Malmö

Live Explosive Object Secured by Bomb Squad in Malmö

Kristersson Denounces Orbán's Claims as "Hair-Raising Lies"

Kristersson Denounces Orbán's Claims as "Hair-Raising Lies"

Government Boosts Environmental Compensation for Freight Trains

Government Boosts Environmental Compensation for Freight Trains

More Voters Expected in Next Year's Swedish Election

More Voters Expected in Next Year's Swedish Election

Pandemic Face Masks Pose Environmental Risk with Microplastics and Chemicals

Pandemic Face Masks Pose Environmental Risk with Microplastics and Chemicals

Teen Girl Stabbed in Borås; Suspect of Same Age Arrested

Teen Girl Stabbed in Borås; Suspect of Same Age Arrested