Global Warming Effects on the Ozone Layer

The Climate Emergency Forum discusses the complex relationship between climate change and the ozone layer.

This video was recorded on September 25th, 2024, and published on October 16th, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

The speakers explore recent data showing record levels of ozone depletion in 2021, 2022, and 2023, despite the success of the Montreal Protocol in addressing ozone-depleting substances. They explain how global warming is causing stratospheric cooling, which paradoxically creates conditions favorable for ozone destruction, particularly over Antarctica.

The conversation delves into the history of the ozone crisis, the development of the Montreal Protocol, and the role of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in ozone depletion. The speakers highlight the unexpected resurgence of the ozone hole problem due to climate change effects, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various environmental issues. They also touch on the health impacts of increased UV radiation exposure, including skin cancer and cataracts.

The dialogue extends to related topics such as ground-level ozone, its formation in urban environments, and its health impacts. The speakers stress the importance of public education on these issues and the need for continued efforts to address both ozone depletion and climate change. They also briefly discuss the potential for geoengineering solutions like stratospheric aerosol injection and the broader implications of changes in the stratosphere for global climate patterns.

Links:

• The 2023 ozone hole ranks 12th largest on record, find NOAA and NASA

• Montreal Protocol

• State of the Climate in 2023

• Polar vortex

• Estimation of Skin and Ocular Damage Avoided in the United States through the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

• Bromofluorocarbon

• Dobson unit

• Book: Into the Clear Blue Sky by Rob Jackson

Regular Panelists:

• Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute

• Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University

Video Production:

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Image and Video:

• Image and Video Attributions