The ozone hole over Antarctica is currently the third largest recorded, but weather forecasters are still uncertain about its future, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The hole reached its maximum size last month at nearly 27 million square kilometers, after which it began to shrink as usual. However, it remains large, ranking third after the years 2003 (28 million square kilometers) and 2000.
“Due to uncertainties about climate changes, we cannot predict whether the hole will continue to grow like in 2003 or even larger in the coming times,” stated Geir Braathen, an ozone expert at the WMO. “However, it does not seem to be growing much and appears to be stable,” he added.
The ozone hole was discovered in the 1980s, created by air conditions and pollution, and it varies seasonally and according to weather situations.
Ozone, a molecule of oxygen gas, acts as a protective shield in the stratosphere essential for life on Earth, blocking harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. These rays can harm plants and may cause skin cancer and cataracts. This protective layer is increasingly being damaged by artificial substances, particularly bromine, chlorine, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
T.VY (According to Xinhua)
