The Ozone: A Lesson We Chose To Ignore
In the late 1980’s, the world faced an unprecedented threat. Researchers measuring ultraviolet (UV) radiation and atmospheric patterns had come to an agreement. The Ozone layer, a thin area of the Earth’s atmosphere, was shrinking. The conclusions of such environmental scientists was reached using instruments on orbiting satellites as well as UV tools on the surface of Earth.
After considering the composition of the Ozone and possible reactionary chemicals, scientists concluded that the the depletion of the lower Ozone layer was a result of the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and halons. These chemicals were notoriously manufactured to act as refrigerants and propellants.
Naturally, such claims were treated with skepticism. After all, manufacturers of CFCs had much to lose and politicians with constituencies in such organizations felt threatened. Yet, the numbers, data, and facts were overwhelming. The danger of increased cancer rates from unhealthy concentrations of UV caught the attention of the public. The public demonstrated a surprising spirit for curbing CFC production.
With scientific support, public action, and political sensibility, not to mention strong determination of the EPA, the United States along with 196 other countries enacted the Montreal Protocol. The protocol aimed to move towards the elimination of CFCs. Since 1987 when the countries agreed on the mission, CFC production has nearly halted and the scientific community has noted on the stabilization of the Ozone layer.
Humanity’s observation of and response towards the depletion of the Ozone layer was a trial of many factors. For one, some of the greatest minds risked their scientific reputation to point out the phenomena. The claim that the production and emission of a family of chemicals can have such calamitous consequence was bold. The incident gave credibility to the technology of the era as well. The data gathered that motivated the Montreal Protocol and decades after the promulgation of the treaty demonstrated that human industry has direct global impact.
While the events of this era have an uncanny resemblance to the present, it seems the logical action has been ignored. While the scientific community proved it’s abilities then, their warnings are now criticized as…
