The Ozone hole – what’s the latest?

The Australian Government’s Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Program and the associated refrigeration and air conditioning licensing scheme protect the Earth’s ozone layer in the upper atmosphere from ozone depleting substances (such as CFCs and HCFCs) and protect the climate system by reducing synthetic greenhouse gas emissions (such as HFCs).

Ozone in the stratosphere (15 to 30 kilometres above the Earth’s surface), absorbs a large part of the sun’s biologically harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can lead to skin cancer, cataracts and a suppressed immune system. These harmful UV rays also damage terrestrial plant life and aquatic ecosystems.

The ozone ‘hole’ over Antarctica is a symbol of the impact of ozone depletion. The ‘hole’ is an annual thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica. It occurs between September and November when low temperatures and sunlight react with ozone depleting substances to destroy ozone.

All 197 United Nations member countries have agreed to phase out ozone depleting substances through the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol has phased out production and import of over 99% of the most harmful ozone depleting substances globally.

However, ozone depleting substances survive in the atmosphere for many years after they are released so ozone layer recovery will take a long time. Scientists are reporting the concentration of these substances in the atmosphere is starting to reduce and predict the ozone layer will recover by about the middle of this century in the mid-latitudes.

While the collective effort with ozone has been highly effective, important issues remain with many of the refrigerant replacements currently in use. These are typically synthetic greenhouse gases (SGGs) which are significantly more potent than the more typical greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane. If emitted to the atmosphere these SGGs can further contribute to global warming and other climate change impacts. Therefore, efforts by RAC technicians to minimise refrigerant leaks, and the recovery and return of waste refrigerant for safe disposal by those appropriately licenced, remain critical.

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