Oct 8, 2019 11:30 AM
Quote:The recovery of the ozone layer over Antarctica cannot be taken for granted and requires constant vigilance.[BBC]
That's the message from Dr Jonathan Shanklin, one of the scientists who first documented the annual thinning of the protective gas in the 1980s.
This year's "hole" in the stratosphere high above the White Continent is the smallest in three decades.
It's welcome, says Dr Shanklin, but we should really only view it as an anomaly.
The better than expected levels of ozone have been attributed to a sudden warming at high altitudes, which can occasionally happen. This has worked to stymie the chemical reactions that usually destroy ozone 15-30km above the planet.
"To see whether international treaties are working or not, you need to look at the long term," Dr Shanklin told BBC News....
While it might be reported that the hole as "healed" the reality is that the actual layer is likely now globally thinner, that might be useful in letting some heat out however there is still the concern that a thinner layer will allow more radiation through. So in consequence I'd expect an increase in skin related conditions from it, so remember your sunblock if out in the sun.