The level of ozone-depleting substances in the atmosphere declines

Levels of ozone-depleting substances have decreased considerably in the atmosphere. This is demonstrated by a study published in the journal Nature Climate Change. In particular, the atmospheric level of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) has decreased considerably, for the first time. In addition, HCFCs produce a large greenhouse effect, so their reduction is also important to combat global warming.

The results have been obtained by means of high precision measurements performed in atmospheric observatories distributed around the world. And researchers have emphasized that these hopeful results corroborate the importance of international protocols. In fact, the Montreal Protocol to regulate the production and use of ozone-depleting substances was agreed in 1987.

This protocol has banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) worldwide since 2010. But CFCs were largely replaced by HCFCs, and we are now also in the process of reduction. A deadline for the complete cessation of the use of HCFCs is set in 2040.

Emissions of HCFCs peaked in 2021. In the next two years it fell a little, but very little. And this year's measurements show a significant decline.