A recent article (“U.N. says ozone layer slowly healing, hole to mend by 2066,” AP, Jan. 9) brings hope to the work that our government is doing for climate change.
I am excited to see scientific evidence that the work works. Banning chemicals that emit chlorine and bromine into the atmosphere has led to partial ozone layer restoration. A more recent ban on HFC chemicals can similarly reduce carbon emissions, and is therefore an essential piece of legislation for climate policy and reducing global warming.
It is difficult to see change when it occurs over time. A United Nations report says that full healing is possible in 43 years. It can be “very hard to wait, especially when you’re waiting for something really nice,” as Fred Rogers sang on his television show. Seeing evidence of ozone healing brings hope that the initial wait is over, it is working now.
I hope that Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Washington Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray take notice of these exciting changes for the better, and pass more strong climate legislation in support of a healthy climate for years to come.
