The eruption of Tonga volcano drilled holes in the Earth’s ozone layer, research says
According to a new study published in Science, the 2022 eruption of the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Haapai Volcano drilled holes in the Earth’s ozone layer.
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It has been 40 years since groundbreaking research announced the discovery of holes in the ozone layer. This is a revelation that launched a quick and successful effort to ban hairsprays, deodorizing cans and planet-ordered refrigerator chemicals.
A 1985 discovery by scientists at the British Antarctic Survey identified a dramatic thinning of the ozone layer across our southernmost continent, raising immediate global concerns about potential harm to human health and ecosystems around the world.
The stratosphere-based ozone layer acts like sunscreen and blocks potentially harmful UV energy from reaching the planet’s surface. Without it, humans and animals could experience an increase in skin cancer, DNA damage, cataracts and other diseases. It also affects the physiological and developmental processes of plants.
“The discovery of ozone holes is one of the most important environmental discoveries of the 20th century, demonstrating how robust science, clear communication and international cooperation can address planetary threats,” Dominique Hodgson, director of science for the British Antarctic Survey, said in a statement released on May 13.
John Shanklin, now an honorary fellow at the British Antarctic Survey, added: “The publication of the findings of nature 40 years ago could not have predicted a continuing global response.”
What causes ozone holes?
Scientists have decided to produce chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were widely used in refrigeration, aerosols, solvents and fire extinguishers.
Chlorine and bromine atoms from CFCs rise and when they come into contact with stratospheric ozone, they destroy ozone molecules, the Environmental Protection Agency said in an online report. Ozone can be destroyed faster than it was naturally created, the EPA said.
What is the status of the ozone hole? Are you recovering?
Shanklin said in an email on May 15 that large, deep ozone holes still form in all Antarctic springs, deepest and largest towards the end of September. “The recovery is very slow, but for another 50 years, there’s an ozone hole.”
In fact, the Ozone Hole in Antarctica shows signs of recovery, but the healing process is very slow. Because CFCs have an air lifespan of over 50 years, BAS says, even without further emissions, a full recovery may not occur until after 2070.
“Current recovery rates are a little slower than expected, so there may be feedback on climate change happening,” Shanklin told USA Today.
What is the Montreal protocol?
The discovery of the ozone hole led directly to the Montreal protocol just two years later. This is an agreement to freeze the production and use of ozone-depleted substances at the 1986 level and set the basis for phasedging them out completely.
Today, this protocol exists as one of the most successful international environmental treaties ever implemented. By preventing harmful UV rays from reaching the surface of the Earth, the agreement saved thousands of lives, BAS said.
“The Montreal protocol is a very successful treaty signed by all governments around the world. It is working and works to reduce the amount of ozone in the atmosphere as expected,” Shanklin said in an email to USA Today.
What about climate change?
USA Today asked Shanklin if he regrets not making similar progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by climate change.
“That’s very true,” replied Shanklin. “Montreal’s protocols show what can be done, but it shows that there are most other environmental issues (such as climate, biodiversity loss, sewage pollution, soil degradation, etc.).
“That’s mainly because the economic model has become flawed and evil. We assume that the resources are infinite and that it won’t cost to use them,” Shanklin said. “This creates all the crises we can avoid.”
