how to solve the problem of thinning of the ozone layer?

Answer 1

We're solving it. It will just take 50 years or so.

Basically it's the way to solve any big environmental issue. We passed legislation back in the very late 1980's and early 1990's that limit the production of most CFC chemicals. Since then the levels of CFC's have stopped climbing and certain types have actually started to go down. The problem is that the ozone layer was pretty badly damaged when we figured out there was a problem at all (back in the mid to late 1970's).

So because the chemicals are still up there and can't really be "removed" until they wash out or break down. The ozone layer will not really start getting better until the amount of CFC's drops more. Once another 5 or 10 years pass, the ozone layer should be able to start to repair itself but it will probably not be back to pre 1970's levels for several decades.

If things keep up the way they are going scientists figure once another 5 or 10 years pass, the ozone layer should be able to start to increase and the ozone holes should start to shrink/repair itself but it will probably not be back to pre 1970's levels for several decades.