Ozone layer better than expected

Happy Sunday!

For anyone with us for the first time, welcome to Voyage Green News! We provide a weekly dose of news and inspiration for a sustainable life. 💚 

♻️ This week’s sustainability news

Good news for the ozone layer

What’s happening: A new study in the journal Nature Climate Change shows that the amount of chemicals in the air that destroy the ozone layer has decreased for the first time ever. The negative effects from hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have decreased since 2021, five years before the most recent projected decrease.

Why it’s happening: In the 1970s, it was discovered that a common industrial chemical called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) was harmful to the environment. When CFCs were released into the air, they broke down due to ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then destroyed large amounts of ozone (O3) in the stratosphere, creating a hole over Antarctica. The ozone layer is crucial for life on Earth, so protecting it became a top priority for the international community. On 16 September, 1987, countries united to protect the planet. The "Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer" was agreed upon by 198 nations. This agreement aimed to phase out chemicals that were damaging the ozone layer. By 1 January, 1989, the Montreal Protocol was fully in effect. The global phase out of the production of CFCs was completed in 2010. HCFCs then replaced CFCs. Since safer alternatives like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) became available, the production and use of HCFCs have also been gradually phased out. This was required by the Copenhagen (1992) and Beijing (1999) Amendments to the Montreal Protocol, and the phaseout will be finished worldwide by 2040.

Why it’s important: The Antarctic ozone (a common measure for ozone layer recovery) was estimated to return to 1980 levels shortly after the middle of this century. But the study indicates we may achieve this milestone earlier if global co-operation continues. This news is a great example of how global agreements can lead to the protection of the planet. These results would not have been possible without the Montreal Protocol. Not only has it reversed the depletion of the ozone layer, it has also assisted in the battle against climate change. It provides strong evidence for the adoption and implementation of global agreements.

📖 Read the full article: The ozone layer is recovering faster than expected, thanks to global cooperation

Annual Bonn climate talks show mixed progress

What’s happening: The Bonn Climate Change Conference was held in Germany over two weeks this month. It involved intensive work by the attendees across a range of climate-related issues. Parties were able to progress issues including the Global Goal on Adaptation, international carbon markets, and transparency. Different events such as the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue were also held.

Why it’s happening: These talks are held every year to prepare for the full-blown climate summits hosted by a different country each year in November or December. This year, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) will be held in November in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Why it’s important: The planning that happens every year in Bonn essentially sets up what will happen at the headline-grabbing COPs later in the year. While some progress was made this year, there are many specifics that are still to be worked out in Azerbaijan. Delegates from developing countries also raised concerns about being unable to access key meetings and being excluded from the decision-making process. Some delegates also had issues with their visas to even enter the country in the first place. Advocates and scientists were also disappointed that there were only vague references to shifting diets, despite animal agriculture being the leading cause of agricultural emissions and other forms of environmental destruction.

🌐 Travel to Chiapas, Mexico

Discover a secret waterfall

Located near La Ventana: This waterfall is a natural wonder that only a few lucky adventurers get to witness. The hike to reach this majestic sight is an adventure in itself!

😇 People doing great things

Danish government in world-first policy

National policy to shift diets to plant-based foods: Under the groundbreaking policy, a yearly action plan will be released to address the most urgent issues. This will be part of a long-term strategy that includes government funding for the Plant-Based Food Grant, aiming to make the country's food systems more sustainable for the planet. The Danish government has three main goals: for more people to eat plant-based foods; to produce more plant-based foods; and to help everyone involved in the plant-based food industry, like scientists, farmers, chefs, and nutrition experts, work better together. Danish authorities believe that eating less meat and dairy is important to help Denmark cut its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The climate think tank Concito says that over half of Denmark's land is used for farming, and farming makes up about a third of the country's carbon emissions. The UN's Food and Agricultural Organization says that meat and dairy production is responsible for about 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

⭐️ Weekly inspiration

Fully recyclable 3D-printed housing complex

Bio-based homes: Being built in Maine for the homeless, they will be derived from living organisms such as plants and other renewable material.

First class of the American Climate Corps being sworn in

More than 9,000 members: The Biden administration program places young people in the clean energy, conservation and climate resilience sectors.

The EU cleans up sustainable investing

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG): New rules aim to make it more transparent which investment funds in Europe are truly sustainable.

Ocean algae helps battle climate change

Some of the most common algae: Helps make massive amounts of a compound that cools the Earth's climate, according to a new study.

(Another) plastic-eating fungus discovered

Found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch: Marine scientists have uncovered Parengyodontium album, which can digest plastic waste in the ocean.

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