According to a new computer model that accurately reproduces the dynamics of the ozone layer over Antarctica for the last 27 years, the ozone hole is predicted to close, albeit later than expected.
Following adoption of the Montreal Protocol which banned chlorofluorocarbons and other compounds that accumulate and attack the ozone layer, it now appears that we will be able to visualize reductions in the size of the hole by around 2018, with recovery occurring around 2068, almost 20 years later than originally predicted.
While the additional two decades is a bummer, it is important to remember that the consequences of inaction would have been dire, as ozone protects us from genetic damage caused by harmful UV radiation. You may not hear much about it in the news as "old science" tends to fade from the American media eye, but the fact is this is an excellent example of science-driven policy that demonstrates just how much impact we can have on our environment. Hear that, global warming naysayers?
Good post. It seems like one never hears about successes like this.