The Ozone Hole: Set to Close
Let’s clear out what ozone really is. We are talking about a colourless gas, very chemically active; it is dangerous for plants, and it can be very corrosive, even for humans; for skin, eyes, lungs.It has a protective function as well as it absorbs the ultraviolet B rays, filtering sunlights which otherwise would be very poisonous for living beings.
Since 1979, we have records to establish that some human made chemical reactions, caused by certain gases, involving chlorine and bromine caused a severe ‘fraction’ of the Ozone or so called, Ozone Hole, in the polar region, which has been increasing. This hole is a metaphor to indicate the lowest threshold from which the concentration of Ozone dropped dramatically due to human pollution.
It is important that we raise awareness of the effects of human behaviour on the surrounding environment. The Montreal Protocol managed from 1980 to implement substances to lower down Ozone corruption.
The latest status of the ozone layer over the Antarctic, reports that in December 2020, the largest Ozone Hole had completely recovered. It first developed over the Arctic, in March, when unusual wind conditions trapped frigid air. This phenomenon is called Polar Vortex, into the North Pole.
Now, the Polar vortex has come to an end, and it appears that The Antarctic registered the temperature these past months, causing the hole to shrink. Although many scientific data reports this occurrence to be a natural phenomenon, it is important we keep doing our part to avoid using products that might harm the atmosphere.
Researchers and scientists are committed to operating on climate-friendly alternatives. They are providing financing to certain countries, to help them transition to environmentally-safe alternatives, and use new technologies to curb and eventually eliminate the use of certain chemicals.
Valentina Laffi is a bookworm and a graduate in Philosophy and Literature, with an MA in Italian studies (literature, history and language). Political, ethical and Feminist issues, literature, and art are Valentina's favorite topics to discuss and write about.
