Why Don't We Hear About the Ozone Hole Anymore?
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Civics
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Hot Mess
What it is
- This video from Hot Mess explains the remarkable success of the Montreal Protocol in banning the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances.
- The video draws a comparison between our response to the ozone hole and the potential for similar action in the context of halting greenhouse gas emissions.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video offers a rare and hopeful glimpse at what it looks like when environmental policy works on a global level.
- The video highlights the fact that the Montreal Protocol was successful, in large part, because it required wealthier countries to support economically disadvantaged countries in phasing out CFCs.
Prerequisites
- The video begins with an advertisement.
- Though the ozone hole is just beginning to heal, the video may give the false impression that the ozone hole is nearly gone.
- Students will benefit from having some prior knowledge about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels, and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Civics classes can compare and contrast the Montreal Protocol with the Paris Agreement.
- Economics classes can examine how the EPA's ban on CFCs created economic opportunities for companies to produce alternative chemicals, although many of those new chemicals also ended up being very powerful greenhouse gases.
- Chemistry classes can take a closer look at the chemical reactions that occur between CFCs and ozone.
- Students may also enjoy the resource, Essentials of Environmental Science: Understanding the Atmosphere, Climate Politics.
From the scientist review
The Montreal Protocol, banning CFC chemicals, is one of the rare times we've seen international policy affect the planet. While this video does give a rather optimistic view on the status of the ozone layer hole, it is, in reality, far from "saved" and has many years to go to reach pre-1980 levels. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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