Research indicates that a specific greenhouse gas might benefit ozone layer restoration
Research suggests that a greenhouse gas might have beneficial effects on the recovery of the ozone layer.
TroibNews 
Chinese researchers have discovered that increases in methane emissions may have an unexpected positive influence on the future recovery of the ozone layer, providing fresh insights into climate governance.
Led by researchers from Beijing Normal University, the study was recently published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.
The ozone layer serves as Earth's protective barrier, shielding us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Despite international efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, the recovery of the ozone layer faces new challenges due to global warming and human activities.
The research emphasizes the dual role of methane in this recovery process. Methane is recognized as a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming; however, it also engages in complex chemical interactions in the atmosphere that may benefit the stratospheric ozone layer, as explained by Xie Fei, a professor at Beijing Normal University.
"Just as ozone can be harmful at ground level but beneficial in the stratosphere, methane and other ozone precursors exhibit similar dual characteristics," Xie stated.
"Understanding these dual effects is critical for predicting future ozone recovery and its implications for climate," he added.
The research team ran experiments to investigate the effects of methane, carbon dioxide, and sea surface temperature on stratospheric ozone, using the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario for the year 2050. The RCP 8.5 scenario envisions a future climate where high greenhouse gas emissions and limited mitigation efforts lead to significant global warming by the century's end.
Their findings indicate that rising methane emissions could notably enhance ozone recovery in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
"Our ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of ozone recovery pathways and their broader implications," Xie remarked, noting that the team will refine their models to incorporate more factors that affect ozone recovery.
"This will help policymakers and scientists make better decisions to address both ozone layer restoration and climate change," he concluded.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Led by researchers from Beijing Normal University, the study was recently published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.
The ozone layer serves as Earth's protective barrier, shielding us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Despite international efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, the recovery of the ozone layer faces new challenges due to global warming and human activities.
The research emphasizes the dual role of methane in this recovery process. Methane is recognized as a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming; however, it also engages in complex chemical interactions in the atmosphere that may benefit the stratospheric ozone layer, as explained by Xie Fei, a professor at Beijing Normal University.
"Just as ozone can be harmful at ground level but beneficial in the stratosphere, methane and other ozone precursors exhibit similar dual characteristics," Xie stated.
"Understanding these dual effects is critical for predicting future ozone recovery and its implications for climate," he added.
The research team ran experiments to investigate the effects of methane, carbon dioxide, and sea surface temperature on stratospheric ozone, using the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario for the year 2050. The RCP 8.5 scenario envisions a future climate where high greenhouse gas emissions and limited mitigation efforts lead to significant global warming by the century's end.
Their findings indicate that rising methane emissions could notably enhance ozone recovery in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
"Our ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of ozone recovery pathways and their broader implications," Xie remarked, noting that the team will refine their models to incorporate more factors that affect ozone recovery.
"This will help policymakers and scientists make better decisions to address both ozone layer restoration and climate change," he concluded.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
