The Antarctic ozone hole is slowly healing
The Antarctic ozone hole, caused by human-made chemicals, is slowly recovering thanks to global efforts, demonstrating the power of international environmental agreements.
Every spring, a vast hole forms in the ozone layer above Antarctica, caused by chlorine from old refrigerants and aerosols. Discovered in 1985, this thinning allows harmful UV radiation to reach Earth, increasing risks of skin cancer and damaging marine life. Cold Antarctic conditions activate chlorine molecules, which then rapidly destroy ozone. A single chlorine atom can dismantle thousands of ozone molecules before it's neutralized.
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