Earth’s ozone layer is recovering gradually and is set to reach the 1980s levels by 2040, the World Meteorological Organization has disclosed.
According to the United Nations agency, the ozone layer that protects the planet from the ultraviolet radiation from the sun is on the path to recovery. It will reach the 1980s levels by 2040, but the Arctic and Antarctic will see the same levels of recovery by 2045 and 2066, respectively.
Despite increased volcanic activity temporarily, the ozone layer is healing. The Montreal Protocol, which came into effect in 1989, led to harmful chemicals that were depleting the ozone layer being phased out.
Hydrofluorocarbons replaced chlorofluorocarbons, but they too are causing global warming, so the global community is now in the process of reducing its production as well. China, being the biggest producer of hydrofluorocarbons is also working on controlling the production. The country has stated that it continues to face challenges in reducing hydrofluorocarbons production as they are diversely used and substitutes are not easy to find.
‘Eco-anxiety’
Climate change is wreaking havoc across the world, and Pakistan is among the states most threatened by its devastating effects. The floods of 2022 brought the climate emergency into focus and prompted the local authorities to deal with the matter with the utmost seriousness.
Climate change is also dominating the international discourse these days, and the global community is currently discussing the necessity of taking action before it is too late. Pakistan, on its end, believes that the international community should play a crucial role in helping Pakistan deal with the situation, considering that the country is threatened by global warming despite contributing little to global greenhouse emissions.
While the international community has already pledged support for building climate-resilient infrastructure, it has done little to address the issue. The amount pledged for Pakistan is yet to be directed towards it. Meanwhile, Pakistan is facing another crisis stemming from climate change.
‘Eco-anxiety’, as the name suggests, is the name given to the vulnerability experienced by people living in areas prone to the effects of climate change. According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, ‘eco-anxiety’ is on the rise in the aftermath of the floods.
Recently, during the monsoon season, there was uncertainty about flooding as Pakistan has not been able to complete the development of flood-resilient infrastructure. While there were no major episodes of flooding this year, the government has been working on fast-tracking initiatives to mitigate the threat in the future.
ADB’s support
The government has also sought the support of the Asian Development Bank (ABD) to help the government deal with the situation, considering that the country needs significant climate finance.
President Asif Ali Zardari and ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa held a meeting, wherein the former put forth the requirements before the latter. The president told the official about the challenges Pakistan was facing. He also told him about the impact of the 2022 floods. President Zardari further appreciated the support extended by ADB to Pakistan in the wake of the floods.
The official told the president that his institution will give Pakistan $2 billion annually for the next two years to assist the country with its climate-resilient initiatives and to rebuild the infrastructure damaged during the floods.