Earth's Ozone Layer Hole Is Now 75% Larger, Bigger Than All Of Antarctica

The hole in Earth's ozone layer which is a yearly occurrence is now larger than all of Antarctica, according to new data from the European Union.Every spring (between August and October in the southern hemisphere), ozone depletion takes place above Antarctica, reaching its maximum size between mid-September and mid-October.?

NASA

Ozone layer hole is bigger than Antarctica

On September 16, countries observed World Ozone Day to remember the collective action pledged as part of Montreal Protocol which helped save life on Earth. The details of the large hole emerged on the same day, as revealed by EU's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service.

While the yearly ozone hole may seem benign, the current one is not - especially given its size, which is 75 per cent larger than ozone holes from previous years. In fact, the ozone hole this year is larger than entire Antarctica!?

NASA

Also read:?Hydrogen Level In Atmosphere Increased 70% To Heat Up Planet, Says Ozone Day Study

Scientists estimate that the ozone layer is situated between 14-35 kilometres above Earth's surface to deflect ultraviolet rays emanating from the Sun.The hole may appear naturally-occurring but its size and intensity is greatly affected by harmful chemicals released into the stratosphere.?

NASA

EU's Copernicus assesses the ozone layer with help from satellite observations and computer modelling. Copernicus says that even though the ozone layer has healed tremendously, its recovery would only be complete by 2060s or 2070s.As part of the Montreal Protocol signed in 1987, countries agreed to phase out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that pollute the ozone and deplete its protective properties.?

Also read:?World Ozone Day 2021: How Ozone Layer Protects Us On Earth, And It Needs Protecting

The effects of such measures are expected to truly be felt by the middle of the century.The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that these dangerous chemicals would be phased out by 2030.?

With climate change taking a strong hold over Earth, do you think just protecting the ozone layer is enough to protect the planet? Let us know what you think in the comments below.For more on the latest in science and technology, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

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