Today, 16 September, is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, an event established after the discovery in 1985 that a large part of this layer over Antarctica was destroyed every spring. Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, which bans emissions of the most harmful gases, the world was able to prevent the ozone layer from almost disappearing. According to atmospheric prediction models, it will take at least another 50 years for the ozone layer to recover. In the meantime, the ozone hole in Antarctica returns every spring, albeit with large fluctuations from year to year: the maximum extent even broke a record in 2023.
Montreal Protocol: promoting climate action
The theme of the International Ozone Preservation Day 2024 is "Montreal Protocol: advancing climate action". This theme sheds light on the achievements of the Montreal Protocol beyond its primary mission of restoring the ozone layer, in particular its contribution to reducing ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which are also potent greenhouse gases, and thus helping slow global warming.
BIRA-IASB's contribution to ozone research
Since its inception, BIRA-IASB has been involved in international ozone monitoring and conducts research to understand the interaction between the ozone layer and climate change. Its researchers measure from the ground and by satellite the key components that demonstrate the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol on the concentration of ozone-depleting substances.
With its own models, BIRA-IASB contributes to the European Copernicus service, which monitors daily changes in atmospheric composition and makes short-term predictions. The latest results show that this year's Antarctic ozone hole occurred slightly later than normal, but its size falls within the averages of the last 40 years.
Raising awareness and international cooperation to preserve the ozone layer
In addition to its research activities, BIRA-IASB is also involved in awareness-raising and international cooperation to protect the ozone layer. Our scientists participate in international committees and working groups to promote the understanding and protection of the ozone layer.
For example, in her brand new role as secretary of the International Ozone Commission (IO3C), our scientist Dr Corinne Vigouroux contributed to their press release today highlighting the progress made thanks to the Montreal Protocol.
However, it also highlights the challenges that remain in protecting the ozone layer, including the need to continue research and monitoring to understand the interactions between the ozone layer and climate change.
This participation shows our commitment to contribute not only to ozone-related scientific research, but also to international efforts to protect the ozone layer.
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