Ask Dr. Global Change

Could global warming worsen ozone depletion?

Last updated 08 August 2002
Originally answered 8 August 2002

Full Question

Could global warming worsen ozone depletion?

Answer

There are two schools of thought about how global warming will affect ozone depletion. One school suggests that by keeping more warmth in the lower atmosphere the upper atmosphere will cool making it easier for ice clouds to form and thereby providing greater opportunities for ozone depletion catalysis. The other school suggests that the increased temperature will lead to an increased mass exchange between the stratosphere and the troposphere which will result in a more rapid removal of CFCs and thus a faster recovery of the ozone layer.