Emily Kwong

Is it because people are still using chemicals even though they're banned?

And to this day, people are still monitoring the ozone layer, right?

Like, we didn't fix the problem and just abandon Antarctica, right?

Yeah.

Greenhouse gas emissions.

We talk about that a lot on shortwave.

And it's a useful comparison because that existential issue is also human caused and could be human solved, so to speak.

So in comparison to climate change that we're all struggling with now, why do you think the ozone issue was dealt with so swiftly?

Giving up CFCs was a lot easier than giving up like oil and gas.

How does that make you feel as a researcher, that humanity, scientists working with policymakers, working with many stakeholders were able to do this?

How do you feel about that?

I hope I do.

Irina, thank you so much for coming on ShoreWave.

Oh, thank you so much for taking time.

If you liked this episode, follow us on the NPR app or wherever else you listen to podcasts.

And check out our episode about how tourists are solving a plankton puzzle in Antarctica and Shortwave's Nature Quest series.

That's where we delve into an environmental mystery driven by your questions.

I'm Emily Kwong.

Thanks for listening and tune in tomorrow for more.

You're listening to Shortwave from NPR.