It was thirty-five
years ago – 1987 – the first time we had solid evidence that human activity was
having a negative impact on global weather. There was a hole in the ozone layer,
caused by the use of gases like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in spray cans and
refrigerants. The ozone layer is there to protect us from harmful ultraviolet
radiation from the sun, and here we were blowing it to smithereens. All 197 members
of the United Nations signed the Montreal Protocol to reduce the emission of
these chemicals. It’s the only time in history a treaty received unanimous
participation. And it’s working. Atmospheric concentrations of refrigerants
have fallen by 50%, and they’re continuing to fall. The hole in the ozone is actually
decreasing. NOAA estimates the ozone layer will be completely healed by the
year 2070. I won’t be around to celebrate, but my grandkids might. And that’s
really good news.
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