Eli5: how can earth ozone layers heal itself even with our high pollution level?

Question

Eli5: how can earth ozone layers heal itself even with our high pollution level?

In: 5

Answer 1

It is the type of pollution that affects the ozone layer that is key for this topic. We realized back in the 70’s that fluorocarbons that we produced for use in things like air conditioners or the propellants used in deodorant sprays, were actually destroying the ozone layer. It took years to put into place and develop alternatives but a concerted effort was put into place to remove these substances from products. By the early 90’s we were developing refrigerants in air conditioners and refrigeration systems that did not cause these ozone-depleting issues. Fast forward a few decades and whoa, it’s working!