Ozone Layer Fixing Itself – Fully Back by 2048

Good news has come from the United Nations’ panel of scientists suggesting that not only is the Earth’s ozone layer no longer depleting the way it once was, but by the year 2048 could be back to normal.  The scientists, composed of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have come forward suggesting the change has resulted in millions of cases of skin cancer not developing, saving countless lives.

The Ozone layer was one of the largest concerns listed in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s when the United Nations first started a widespread program to study its effects and chronicle the program designed to not only study the deleterious effects of widespread ozone depletion and its causes, but also work to restore the ozone layer to its former glory.  In a short time the 2010 Montreal protocol caused a shift that resulted in the most drastic fears related to climate change finally being quelled as the dangerous materials to the ozone layer have been reduced significantly.  The Montreal Protocol was five times as ambitious as the former Kyoto Protocol at Kyoto Japan in 1997.  To date the United States was the only country to refuse to commit to the Kyoto Protocol with a handful of others not committing but considering it.  The Montreal protocol hopes to completely eliminate harmful Chlorofluorocarbons (or CFCs) in the atmosphere.

To think the world has for the most part united against a harmful atmospheric threat and ended what was once considered one of the greatest threats to mankind is incredibly hopeful for the future of the human race.  As we continue to stride forward with greater technology that depends less on dangerous and outright harmful chemicals the world has been given the opportunity to reflect on these matters and other dangers it may face in the future.

The Ozone Layer specifically is the layer of the atmosphere that works to block out harmful Ultraviolet Radiation from the Earth that has the potential to damage skin cells and cause cancer.  The massive holes at the Northern and Southern Poles in the Ozone layer have been attributed as being a contributor to Global Warming, but are only one of several factors said to be responsible.  But even so, there is still much concern in the United Nations and the world about greenhouse gas, which is said to be a major contributing factor to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol is being credited as being the main official shift in policy both in practice and in philosophy.  And while many private organizations have been pushing for reduced CFCs, it is likely the largest by far.

With nuclear war nowhere near as bad as it was in the 1980’s, and the ozone layer making a comeback, it seems there’s more reason to have a sunny disposition about life on this planet.  But the road ahead will include more challenges.  But the human race, as it has so many times before, has demonstrated yet again that nothing is beyond its ability if enough time and effort is put forth.