🔎 What’s going on?
A study published in Nature journal confirms that the Earth’s ozone layer is healing. The southern jet stream is also going back to normal after decades.
🌬 What does this mean?
In 1974, two chemists published a groundbreaking study in another Nature journal which revealed that chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) gases were damaging the ozone layer. These gases are found in aerosol sprays, as coolants for refrigerators and air conditioning systems.
Jet streams are strong winds that blow from west to east across the globe. They impact weather and air travel. Up until 2000, these jet streams were shifting towards Antarctica by one degree every decade because of ozone. Research has now shown that as ozone is being removed, the southern jet stream is going back to normal. However, researchers are also seeing a “tug of war” between ozone recovery and increasing carbon in the atmosphere. This is pausing the progress made. Turns out HCFCs are also a greenhouse gas, meaning they trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere causing climate change.
❓Why should I care?
Without the Montreal Treaty (an international agreement), ozone depletion would have caused millions of cases of skin cancer (melanoma) and eye cataracts. Not to mention the damage to plants and marine ecosystems. Essentially, that means, if you stepped out under the ozone “hole”, you’d get sunburnt in just 5 minutes!
More importantly, this agreement proves how successful international co-operation can be and what can be achieved when governments act quickly and decisively. The study also proves that climate systems can recover over a period of time.
🚦 Where do we need to be?
The ozone hole isn’t completely healed yet and the world isn’t clear of harmful HCFCs because slightly less damaging coolants still exist and in use. A new generation of HCFs do not have ozone but instead, they contribute to climate change so more research and innovation is required on this front.
👤What can I do about it?
HCFs are now banned in all household fridges and freezers in the EU (and the UK) but they can still be used in commercial fridges. Outside of the EU, some countries still use fridges and freezers with HCFs such as the US and some developing countries, so always check what refrigerant coolant is used before buying.
A couple of brands clearly state that their fridges and freezers are CFC and HCFC free, including Bosch, Miele, Siemens (and Zanussi and AEG Electrolux). Some retailers like John Lewis also sell only CFC and HCFC free fridges.
Ideally, also look for triple-A ratings (A+++) when you buy fridges. This means that they are super energy-efficient which is also good for the planet. Check out this guide to help you choose.