The Ozone Hole’s Earliest Cause Wasn’t CFCs After All

According to new research reported by io9, the ozone hole—officially discovered in nineteen eighty-five—likely existed decades earlier, possibly dating back to the nineteen fifties. Scientists say if modern atmospheric monitoring tools had existed back then, the hole would have been detected much sooner. The finding challenges the long-held assumption that chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, caused the earliest ozone depletion, suggesting an earlier source may be at play.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton