The European Union Copernicus Atmospheric Observation Service (CAMS) announced in September last year that the hole in the ozone layer on Antarctica is at the smallest level in the last 30 years. This is a very important development. Because this layer on the upper part of the stratosphere captures harmful rays such as UV-B and UV-C, which are the ultraviolet rays emitted by the Sun. With this function, the ozone layer, which is of vital importance for our planet, acts as a key in maintaining a living life. A new study shows that Montreal Protocol may be the most important factor in reducing the depletion in the ozone layer. The agreement, signed in 1987, involved the prohibition of the production and use of chemicals that harm the atmosphere the most. Year-to-year change of the hole in the ozone layer Jet currents are known as narrow wind bands that occur at the upper levels of the atmosphere. The thinning of the ozone layer caused the jet stream to be driven south more than ever. This led to changes in precipitation patterns and ocean currents, but that changed about 10 years after the Montreal Protocol was signed. Using a series of models and computer simulations, the researchers showed that this pause in movement was not only due to natural changes in the winds. According to scientists, only changes in ozone can explain why jet flow stops suddenly. In other words, it is clear that the jet flow of the Montreal Protocol has paused or even slightly reversed the southern migration. This is really good news for Earth. For example; Changes in jet flow had increased the risk of drought due to driving rain out of Australia’s coastal areas. The reversal of the trend means that these rains also return. Despite this, the researchers say it is too early to celebrate. The absence of substances that deplete the ozone layer provides some improvement in ozone, while carbon dioxide levels continue to rise and risk all this progress. In recent years, there has been an increase in chemicals damaging the ozone layer in industrial zones in China. The Montreal Protocol has proven to be a crucial step in helping to pause or even compensate for the damage caused by humanity globally, but despite this, the steady increase in greenhouse gas emissions shows that we need to do much more than that.
