U.N. Says 'Ozone Hole' Hits Record Size

[kayell]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=624&e=5&u=/ap/un_ozone_layer

By ERICA BULMAN, Associated Press Writer

GENEVA - The ozone hole over the Antarctic this year has reached the record size of 10.8 million square miles set three years ago, the United Nations (news - web sites)' weather organization said Wednesday.


Measurements over and near Antarctica show that ozone decreased more rapidly this year than in previous years and that the size of the ozone hole is now as large as it was in September 2000, the World Meteorological Organization (news - web sites) said.


The hole could continue to grow to its largest size ever in the next couple of weeks, the WMO said, but it also could suddenly decrease.


"It's impossible to predict," said Michael Proffitt, a leading expert on the ozone hole at WMO. "Judging from previous years it usually continues to increase for one or two weeks at this point.

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[hatrack]

1. Meanwhile, back at the pig ranch . . .

Chimpy's moving heaven and earth to allow American flower wholesalers and golf course maintenance companies to use lots and lots of methyl bromide (a proven ozone-destroying chemical).

Of course, this is allowed under the Montreal Protocol - that is, any country can apply for a waiver to use the stuff. But doesn't it seem like maybe, just maybe, he ought to reconsider this plan, in light of the news posted above?

[SpiralHawk]

2. White House Response:

We'll get back to you on this after we have "studied" it for a few more years.

In the meantime, just relax.

"I think the American people--I hope the American--I don't think, let me--I hope the American people trust me."
- George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Dec. 18, 2002

[TennesseeWalker]

3. What Ozone Hole?

Rush said that that thing is a figment of Liberal Imagination.

I hope his lard ass is scorched.

[karlschneider]

4. The UN? Bah. Old Europe. Irrelevant. Who needs 'em. Oh, WE do!

OOPS...


:eyes:

[shanti]

5. and????

they think it will get SMALLER??? what a stupid headline.

[Gman]

6. Gee. I heard Rush say a few weeks ago

that the ozone hole was shrinking. Then he questioned how it was possible for aerosols to get out of your house and into the atmosphere.