The Hole in the Ozone Layer

We all remember the enormous hole in the ozone layer that needed to be fixed before ending life as we knew it. In the daily craze of emissions, record temperatures and polar bears, it has completely disappeared from the media spotlight. The massive hole remains but since 1987 the ozone killing chemicals have been phasing out. A full recovery of the protective ozone layer is expected between 2060 and 2075. As this happens the adverse health risks posed by UV rays will be reduced.

Ozone Layer En Route to Recovery

Down to Earth - It's an environmental and public health victory in the making: The stratosphere's ozone layer, which protects us from much of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, is on the road to recovery after a global phase out of ozone-depleting chemicals. Twenty years ago, Sept. 16, 1987, some 24 nations signed the Montreal Protocol, which called for a gradual phase out of the ozone-killing chemicals (mostly chlorofluorocarbons). Now, a total of 191 nations have signed on and things are looking up for the ozone layer. Those nations are meeting in Montreal from Sept. 14-21 to mark the anniversary and to hold negotiations to possibly hasten the...

Hole-y Ozone Layer, Batman

Switchboard - Things went smoothly at first. But when President Bush came into office, the chemical companies that make and distribute methyl bromide sensed their opportunity. Led by Chemtura (formerly known as Great Lakes Chemicals), and tomato and strawberry growers in politically key states began a full-scale campaign to reverse the phase-out. Congressional committees beholden to industry held hearings – I was usually the only witness on behalf of the ozone layer – and introduced bills to void the Clean Air Act’s controls. But by publicizing the health risks and the industry’s special-interest pleading, NRDC was able to keep the bills bottled...

7.10.08

09:22 AM -

that is swag

Anonymous - when is the hole going to be fixed cuz i really wonder how the g=hole can be fixed by the way i think youre hot!!

12.6.07

10:48 AM -

Another example of media effects

jb - I think it is really interesting to see how the media shapes our thoughts and perceptions in a variety of ways we don't expect. Without talking about any "conspiracy theory esque ideas here - some of my friends started to doubt whether the Ozone Hole was ever actually a problem (and instead just an over-hyped issue at the time) - because now the media completely let it slide back into obscurity.

12.3.07

09:16 PM -

Thanks!

Anonymous - Thanks for bringing this back into the spotlight! I had completely forgotten about the Ozone layer. Remember that? It used to be HUGE! It really is amazing that our policy actions could actually do something to help the environment. Looks like the reporting, the public reaction, and the policy reaction all did something right. I can sleep east as a more assured and optimistic man tonight.

11.30.07

11:16 PM -

Great

Conrad - Well at least we wont be melted by UV rays anytime soon. If only the myriad of other things that humanity has fouled on this once green earth were so easy to remedy.

04:56 PM -

WOW

Anonymous - What DID every happen to that hole? I find it amazing that we're on the road to ozone recovery. As far as I know, it's the first (and only?) example of successfully repairing human environmental damage.... Yah for us!

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