NPR

Banned, Ozone-Depleting Chemical Is Still Being Produced Somewhere, Scientists Say

Trichlorofluoromethane, or CFC-11, hurts the ozone layer and was phased out of production by 2010. Supposedly. But a NOAA study says CFC-11 emissions began to rise after 2012.

Someone appears to be producing a banned ozone-depleting chemical, interfering with the recovery of Earth's damaged ozone layer, according to a newly published study led by scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The illicit emissions are believed to be coming from somewhere in eastern Asia, but otherwise, nothing is known about the offender. It's a scientific whodunit — or rather, a who's-doin-it.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR1 min readAmerican Government
Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Classified Documents Case Is Delayed Indefinitely By Judge
The classified documents trial had been scheduled to begin May 20. But months of delays had slowed the case as prosecutors pushed for the trial to begin before the November presidential election
NPR2 min read
Toxic Culture Is The Norm At The FDIC, Outside Review Cites 500 Employee Complaints
A law firm investigation of the FDIC documents a toxic workplace culture where hundreds of employees complained of sexual harassment, discrimination and other misconduct.
NPR2 min readDiscrimination & Race Relations
Biden Decries Surge Of Antisemitism Since The October 7 Hamas Attacks On Israel
President Biden spoke out against harassment of Jewish students on college campuses, part of what he called a "ferocious surge of antisemitism" seen since Oct. 7.

Related Books & Audiobooks