Ozone Hole Splits in Two

DaDigz writes "CNN is reporting here that the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica has split in two "like a giant amoeba". It's not yet been determined whether this is a result of unusual weather patterns or whether the ozone layer is recovering. One can hope, though, that this may be a sign of a mend in the ozone layer."

Comments

Monkey wrench in hopes for mend

[captainktainer]

Unfortunately, CFCs are not fully phased out all over the world. China still uses them, and since China's set to become the world economic powerhouse over the next half-century, the only hope for continued recovery is getting them to halt their production of CFCs. And quite honestly, does anybody really believe that chlorofluorocarbons aren't used in places like India? I mean, there's a reason they were so popular- cheap, relatively easy to manufacture, effective; they would be a wonder chemical if they didn't eat holes in the ozone layer. In less ecologically sensitive countries (yes, one can be less ecologically sensitive than the United States) with weak environmental controls, use of CFCs is a rather attractive proposition.

Re:Monkey wrench in hopes for mend

[leviramsey]

Exactly.

Much as it's fashionable to rail against the US for not being as environmentally responsible than it could be (or maybe even should be), the fact remains that various third world (to use an obsolete term) nations are far more egregious offenders than the US (see leaded gasoline, CFCs, etc.).

Re:I'm just curious..

[Hadlock]

i haven't read the article yet, and probably won't, but oh well. yeah. they've been absorbing more data than they can examine from 2-3 sattelities over the past 35-ish years, and the ozone hole actually closes durring either the winter or summer months, and then reopens again as it weakens again. so yes, it does close, and they have good reason to be suspicious. a better question might be "does the "soft spot" of the earth open up from time to time on a somewhat regular schedule over a period of centuries, or did we really fuck things up?"

my guess is a litte from column a, a little from column b. (although more from A than B)