How Humanity Avoided a Scorching Hot Future Caused by a Hole in the Ozone Layer

Everyone should be glad that the Montreal Protocol phased out CFCs.
Loukia Papadopoulos

Back in the 1970s, an alarming discovery was made. Aerosols cans, CFCs, and refrigerants were causing a huge hole in the ozone layer.

That area was detected in the south pole in the southern hemisphere's spring. This hole was getting bigger year after year and if allowed to continue the Earth could have lost its force field against UV radiation.

This would result in many people getting skin cancer and many more nefarious effects. Luckily, the international community headed the scientists' advice and put together an agreement that curbed the problem.

In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was put into effect gradually phasing out the use of CFCs. And it worked like a charm! 

Now, slowly but surely the ozone layer is closing up again and it is expected that by mid 21st century the hole will have completely healed. In essence, the Montreal Protocol avoided a nightmare situation that would have seen the planet flooded by UV radiation.

How was this agreement so successful? Who were the key parties behind it? What has happened to the agreement now and is it renewed year per year? This video answers all these questions and more.

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