IN THE mid-1980s, the world realised how the abuse of a group of gases used in aerosol sprays, refrigerators and other everyday products led to the puncturing of the ozone layer over Antarctica. Soon after, the Montreal Protocol was signed, which banned the use of 100-odd ozone-depleting substances. Starting 2001, the ozone hole, the size of which fluctuates through the year, began to heal.
The recovery of the ozone layer, which shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays generated from the sun, is now helping the world in its fight against climate change in more ways than one.
This story is from the September 16, 2021 edition of Down To Earth.
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This story is from the September 16, 2021 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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