UV Levels in Japan Rising Since 1990

The ozone layer over Antarctica remains in danger, according to the data from ozone layer monitoring during fiscal 2005 released by the Japanese Environment Ministry in July 2006. Both the area of ozone hole and the amount of ozone destruction in 2005 remained at the average levels of the past decade, and the ozone hole has yet to show any sign of shrinkage.

The atmospheric concentrations of ozone-depleting substances were also measured in the mid-latitude region of the northern hemisphere. The results show that chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12 is almost unchanged, while CFC-11 and CFC-113 have been on the decline since the 1990s. On the other hand, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are on the rise, as is hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), which does not have an ozone-depleting effect but is a powerful greenhouse gas.

In Japan, although ozone levels are not declining, ultraviolet (UV) rays have been increasing since 1990 when the government started UV ray monitoring. This seems to be caused by the decrease of clouds and aerosol (minute liquid or solid particles that are suspended in the atmosphere).

http://www.env.go.jp/en/
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html

Posted: 2006/10/13 03:52:00 PM
Japanese version