On the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer... What is the relationship between the ozone hole and climate change?

Arab Weather - The answer is complicated: Yes and no, as the ozone hole is a man-made phenomenon that occurs in the ozone layer above the South Pole during the spring in the southern hemisphere. The ozone layer plays a vital role in protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. However, human activities, such as the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in spray cans and refrigerants, have created a hole in this layer by destroying ozone molecules in the upper atmosphere.

The effect of the ozone hole on climate

Although increased ultraviolet radiation passes through this hole, its greatest effect is to cool the stratosphere, not to heat the troposphere that touches the Earth's surface. Therefore, the ozone hole does not contribute significantly to the rise in the Earth's surface temperature, or what is known as global warming.

• Efforts to reduce the ozone hole

The good news is that governments around the world recognized the seriousness of the ozone hole in the 1980s, and entered into international agreements to limit the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These CFCs were replaced by less harmful substances, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). As a result of these efforts, the ozone layer has gradually recovered since the 1990s.

• Continued recovery of the ozone layer

Although the ozone layer has improved, it will take a long time to fully recover because ozone-depleting chemicals remain in the atmosphere for decades. The latest data from NASA satellites shows that ozone is on its way to recovery, despite some temporary setbacks such as pollutant emissions in some areas.

Thanks to positive changes in human behavior, such as reducing the use of harmful substances, the ozone layer has begun to recover. While the ozone hole has had a limited role in climate change compared to human activities that contribute to global warming, ongoing efforts to protect the ozone layer contribute to a better environment overall.

See also:

What is the story of the ozone hole.. and how did the world move to fix it?!

On its international day.. How does the ozone layer affect climate change?