The ozone layer is thinning in places around the equator
The planet’s natural protection from UV radiation may be in danger over some of the world’s most populous areas.
Backstory: Huge ozone loss hit Earth in the 1980s, especially above Antarctica. The Montreal Protocol banned the chemicals that were responsible for the depletion, and ozone levels in the upper stratosphere grew again.
What’s new: In a paper published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, researchers explain that the ozone in the lower stratosphere is now thinning at lower latitudes. Near the equator, where billions of people live and sunlight is at its most intense, the resulting loss of UV protection could be a disaster.
What’s causing it? That’s still unclear. It may be that changes in atmospheric circulation due to global warming are shifting ozone toward the poles. Or some industrial chemicals once thought to safely break down in the lower atmosphere may, in fact, make their way high enough to account for the damage.
Deep Dive
Climate change and energy
Harvard has halted its long-planned atmospheric geoengineering experiment
The decision follows years of controversy and the departure of one of the program’s key researchers.
Why hydrogen is losing the race to power cleaner cars
Batteries are dominating zero-emissions vehicles, and the fuel has better uses elsewhere.
How virtual power plants are shaping tomorrow’s energy system
By orchestrating EVs, batteries, and smart home devices, VPPs can help make the grid cleaner and more efficient.
Trump wants to unravel Biden’s landmark climate law. Here is what’s most at risk.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s support for EVs and clean power could land on the chopping block if the Republican front-runner returns to the White House.
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.