This image shows the amount of ozone in Earth's stratosphere. The colors represent different amounts of ozone with purple and blue indicating very low levels of stratospheric ozone. Yellow and green represent higher levels of ozone. Notice the blue and purple spot over the South Pole which is the Antarctic ozone hole. The ozone levels are monitored by satellite.
Click on image for full size
Courtesy of NASA

Repairing the Antarctic Ozone Hole!
News story originally written on September 17, 2002

The ozone layer in our atmosphere is very important because it shields the Earth from the Sun’s harmful rays. Scientists have been watching a hole grow in the ozone layer above the South Pole, but now they have some good news. That ozone hole may close by 2050!

Ozone holes form when man-made particles, called CFCs, brake ozone particles apart.

People on the Earth have been trying to cut down on activities that release CFCs and it looks like we are making a difference. According to scientists, there are less CFCs in our atmosphere than there were two years ago.

That’s great news and it means that people can really make a difference when they agree to change!

Last modified September 17, 2002 by Lisa Gardiner.

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