A major milestone in the fight against climate change has been achieved as greenhouse gases, which were behind the hole in the ozone layer, have dropped for the first time.
Levels of harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), or greenhouse gases, which were developed as replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have reduced.
The international Montreal Protocol was agreed to in 1987 and aimed to introduce controls on the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which were once widely used in the manufacture of hundreds of products, including refrigerators, aerosol sprays, foams and packaging.
While production of CFCs has been banned globally since 2010, HCFC production and usage is still being phased out.
A study, published in the Nature Climate Change journal on Tuesday, reveals reductions have been recorded for the first time. It is a significant development, author Luke Western, Marie Curie Research Fellow at the University of Bristol's School of Chemistry, told The National.
“This is a major milestone,” he said. “Our prediction is that it will continue to decrease. If this trend continues the ozone hole will recover in about 40 years' time.
“In terms of climate change this is very significant. The biggest message this shows is that environmental policies, like the Montreal Protocol, do work. It is the first time since monitoring began in the 1980s that we have seen a reduction.”
The international study, titled Global Reduction in Harmful Greenhouse Gases and Ozone-Depleting Substances: Success of Montreal Protocol Confirmed, shows the total amount of ozone-depleting chlorine contained in all HCFCs peaked in 2021.
Although the drop between 2021 and 2023 was less than 1 per cent, it still shows HCFC emissions are heading in the right direction.
“The results are very encouraging. They underscore the great importance of establishing and sticking to international protocols,” Dr Western said.
“Their production is currently being phased out globally, with a completion date slated for 2040. In turn, these HCFCs are being replaced by non-ozone-depleting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other compounds.
“By enforcing strict controls and promoting the adoption of ozone-friendly alternatives, the protocol has successfully curbed the release and levels of HCFCs into the atmosphere.
“Without the Montreal Protocol, this success would not have been possible, so it’s a resounding endorsement of multilateral commitments to combat stratospheric ozone depletion, with additional benefits in tackling human-induced climate change. It shows the success of international co-operation and the importance of it in tackling environmental issues.”
The results rely on high-precision measurements at globally distributed atmospheric observatories, using data from the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment and the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA).
“We use highly sensitive measurement techniques and thorough protocols to ensure the reliability of these observations,” said co-author Dr Martin Vollmer, an atmospheric scientist at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology.
Co-author Dr Isaac Vimont, a research scientist at the NOAA in the US, said environmental monitoring is imperative.
“This study highlights the critical need to be vigilant and proactive in our environmental monitoring, ensuring other controlled ozone-depleting and greenhouse gases follow a similar trend which will help to protect the planet for future generations,” he said.
In December, Nasa launched a website, earth.gov, that will soon monitor locations around the world that are producing greenhouse gases.
Nasa administrator Bill Nelson revealed the details at a Future Talks event at the Museum of the Future in Dubai and said the website would use data from Nasa satellites to track greenhouse gases, which become trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere and cause the planet to heat up.
Brief scoreline:
Liverpool 5
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Huddersfield 0
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Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
The biog
Favourite colour: Brown
Favourite Movie: Resident Evil
Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices
Favourite food: Pizza
Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
More on Quran memorisation:
Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
How to become a Boglehead
Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.
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