1 . The Earth’s ozone (臭氧) layer is on its way to recovering, thanks to decades of work to get rid of ozone-damaging chemicals, a panel of international experts backed by the United Nations has found.
The ozone layer serves an important function for living things on Earth. This shield in the stratosphere (平流层) protects humans and the environment from harmful levels of the sun’s radiation.
The international community was alarmed after experts discovered a hole in the ozone layer in May 1985. Scientists had previously discovered that chemicals, used in manufacturing certain sprays and used as refrigerants (制冷剂), could destroy ozone. Two years after the discovery of the dreadful state of the ozone layer, international bodies adopted a global agreement called the Montreal Protocol. This established the phaseout (逐步淘汰) of almost 100 man-made chemicals that were tied to the destruction of the all-important ozone.
In the latest report on the progress of the Montreal Protocol, the UN-backed panel confirmed that nearly 99% of banned ozone-eating substances have been phased out. If current policies stay in place, the ozone layer is expected to recover to 1980 values by 2040, the United Nations announced. In some places, it may take longer. Experts said that 1980-level recovery over Antarctica is expected by around 2066 and by 2045 over the Arctic.
The destruction of the ozone layer is not a major cause of climate change. But research is showing that these efforts to save the ozone layer are proving beneficial in the fight against climate change. “Ozone action is a pioneer for climate action,” said World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. “Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us that what can and must be done-as a matter of urgency-to shift away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and so limit temperature increase.”
1. Why did the international community start to protect the ozone layer?| A．Because the Montreal Protocol was signed. |
| B．Because chemicals could destroy the ozone layer. |
| C．Because a hole in the ozone layer was discovered. |
| D．Because the stratosphere is harmful to human health. |
| A．Using less hair-setting spray. |
| B．Increasing refrigerant production. |
| C．Minimizing the use of cold air-conditioner. |
| D．Phasing out ozone-consuming substances. |
| A．The Montreal Protocol is taking effect. |
| B．The ozone layer will fully recover by 2040. |
| C．The Montreal Protocol needs to be improved. |
| D．The ozone layer protection has a long way to go. |
| A．Climate protection has led to the ozone protection. |
| B．The destruction of ozone layer didn’t cause climate change. |
| C．It’s an urgency to reduce the use of ozone-eating chemicals. |
| D．Ozone protection guides our future efforts in climate action. |
