Although scientists are hopeful that we’ve turned the corner in reducing ozone depletion, they emphasize the importance of maintaining current regulations that ban CFC production. The ozone layer is important to protect the Earth’s surface from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. In addition to the dangers to the planet, ozone depletion also puts consumers in danger, increasing the risk of cancer and eye issues like cataracts. Perhaps the biggest benefit of all, though, is that this success may demonstrate to consumers, industry, and government the difference even the smallest measures can make.
29
Jan
The Shrinking Ozone Hole Proves the Value of Changing Our Behaviors
The Shrinking Ozone Hole Proves the Value of Changing Our Behaviors
In
Our Blog
Written by
Stephanie Faris
For decades environmentalists and consumers have worried about the ever-pervasive hole in the ozone layer. Discovered in the late 1970s, the hole was eventually attributed to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), caused by man-made chemicals like refrigerants and aerosol sprays. If the hole was left unchecked, experts predicted it would contribute to the gradual destruction of the planet in the form of global warming.
But today that hole is shrinking, attributable, in part, to regulations that were enacted in the late 1980s to reduce CFCs in the environment. During the 2016 winter in Antarctica, the depletion of the protective ozone layer was observed to be approximately 20 percent lower than it was a full decade ago.
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Stephanie Faris
Stephanie is a freelance writer and novelist whose work has appeared on NYPost.com, PSMag.com, the Intuit Small Business Blog, and many others. She is the Simon & Schuster author of 8 children's books, including the Piper Morgan chapter book series, 25 Roses, and 30 Days of No Gossip.
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