Scientific highlight: InGOS paper in Nature Geoscience

Recent paper on newly detected ozone-depleting substances in the atmosphere in Nature Geoscience. Read it here,

New research, performed within the framework of InGOS and related projects, published today in the journal Nature Geoscience reveals that more than 74,000 tonnes of three new chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and one new hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) have been released into the atmosphere.

CFCs are the main cause of the hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Laws to reduce and phase out CFCs came into force in 1989, followed by a total ban in 2010. This has resulted in successfully reducing the production of many of these compounds on a global scale. However, legislation loopholes still allow some usage for exempted purposes.

The identification of the four new gases discovered in this research, is very worrying as they will contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. We don’t know where the new gases are being emitted from and this should be investigated. Possible sources include feedstock chemicals for insecticide production and solvents for cleaning electronic components.

The UEA press-release on the article

The paper received quite some attention in the press:

BBC
New Scientist
The Guardian
Financial times
Wall Street Journal
Le Monde

Comments are closed.