What do invisible gases, vintage hairspray and satellites have in common? They all played a role in one of the greatest environmental comebacks in history. Seen from 362 kilometres above, the Gulf Coast glows like a constellation—clusters of light scattered across the dark. But what truly makes this view possible can"t be seen: the ozone layer, silently shielding everything below from the sun"s ultraviolet rays. By the 1980s, that shield was thinning fast—damaged by chemicals once used in refrigeration and aerosol products. The solution? A global pact. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, led to a swift phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. Today, satellites show that the hole over Antarctica is shrinking. Scientists believe it could be fully healed by mid-century.
Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Today in History
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Volcán Alcedo giant tortoise, Isabela Island
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World Water Day
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Banff National Park, Alberta
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An underwater paradise to explore
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International Day of Light
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Turtle-y nice day for a swim
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
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International Polar Bear Day
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Christmas Day
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World Rhinoceros Day
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A different kind of toucan
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Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
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The Rainbow Bridge
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Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
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Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
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Say hello to these halophytes!
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Happy Welsh New Year!
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Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
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A grand view
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Saint Andrews Day
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Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina
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Young black caiman, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
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A galaxy full of stars
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A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
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Chasing summer in the art world
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A blue-tiful island
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Pearl among the emeralds
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Everglades National Park, Florida
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Abraham Lake, Alberta