· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on UN News or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirms the ozone layer is on track for full recovery, according to its latest Ozone and UV Bulletin
• This progress is largely due to the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, which phased out ozone-depleting substances and reduced hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), key contributors to climate change
• The UN anticipates the ozone layer could fully recover by 2040 globally, 2045 over the Arctic, and 2066 over the Antarctic
🔭 The context: The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, was a landmark agreement that banned harmful chemicals such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
• Its 2016 Kigali Amendment targeted HFCs, crucial for both ozone recovery and climate mitigation
• WMO stresses the importance of ongoing ozone monitoring to ensure the recovery stays on track
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Restoring the ozone layer is vital for protecting life on Earth from harmful UV radiation, while the Kigali Amendment also addresses climate change by targeting potent greenhouse gases
⏭️ What's next: Continued global cooperation and strict policy enforcement are needed to sustain the ozone recovery and address variables such as volcanic eruptions that can temporarily impact the ozone layer
💬 One quote: “The Protocol’s Kigali Amendment... can contribute to advancing climate mitigation efforts, protecting people and planet,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres
📈 One stat: The ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 levels by 2066 over the Antarctic, 2045 over the Arctic, and 2040 for the rest of the world
Click for more news covering the latest on climate change