What Global Unity Can Achieve

There was a time when all countries in the world united to prevent a global catastrophe — and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Ozone Bulletin shows that that was really effective.

According to the WMO Ozone Bulletin, the ozone hole in 2024 is smaller compared to previous years. The ozone hole is a giant, invisible thinning in the atmosphere discovered in 1980s. It appeared after our large-scale use of substances such as CFCs — used in old refrigerators and air conditioners.

The ozone hole became a threat as it allowed more ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. Excessive UV radiation is harmful because it can cause skin cancers, cataracts, and weaken our immune system. It also disrupts the environment by damaging plants and animals.

After the scientists discovered the problem, the world worked together to stop it from getting worse. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was established to phase out the use of such substances. It was ratified by every country in the globe and remains one of the few treaties to achieve universal agreement.

“Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer — guided by science, united in action”, said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The WMO continues to actively monitor the Earth’s atmosphere.

It is an evidence that even though we have our differences, we can still unite and overcome a common threat.

References: