Study: Ozone Layer Recovery Contributes to Global Warming

A recent scientific study conducted by an international team from the United States and Europe has revealed that the efforts made over the past four decades to repair the ozone layer — while successful in reducing harmful ultraviolet radiation — have unexpectedly contributed to the rise in global temperatures, thus worsening climate change.

The researchers explained that the increase in ozone levels in the atmosphere, whether due to the recovery of the layer or pollution, leads to additional heat being trapped — up to 40 percent by 2050 — which could offset much of the climate progress achieved by banning ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Computer models used in the study showed that more than one-third of the excess heat results from ozone recovery over Antarctica, while the larger share is caused by pollution closer to the Earth’s surface.

The researchers also noted that the recovery of the ozone layer alone could trap 0.16 watts of heat per square meter, a small effect on its own, but one that accumulates to cause a global rise in temperatures.