Ozone Hole Smallest It's Been in a Decade

Chlorofluorocarbon ban appears to be improving Earth's ozone
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 13, 2013 8:50 AM CST
Ozone Hole Smallest It's Been in a Decade
Long-term observations reveal that Earth's ozone has been strengthening following international agreements to protect this vital layer of the atmosphere.   (European Space Agency )

One of the most infamous symbols of man's assault on the planet is actually diminishing: The ozone hole over Antarctica was smaller in 2012 than it has been in 10 years, reports LiveScience. Scientists credit the improvement to the worldwide ban on chlorofluorocarbons, which cause the hole to appear each September through November. Experts believe the hole should close altogether within a few decades. (In other ozone news, drones are now studying the ozone layer.)

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