Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Ozone gains under threat
Ozone gains under threat
An unregulated class of ozone-depleting chemicals could undermine international ozone recovery efforts, say UK researchers.
The Montreal Protocol, an international agreement phasing out the use of CFCs and other ozone damaging gases, has given the ozone layer over 25 years of breathing space to recover.
However, new atmospheric modelling research published inNature Geoscience shows that another class of gases, ‘very short-lived substances’ (VSLSs), are damaging the ozone layer. These VSLSs, which include gases from natural and industrial sources, do not fall under the auspices of the Montreal Protocol.
In the new study, scientists also report that the atmospheric abundance of one of these ‘very short-lived substances’ (VSLSs), dichloromethane, is growing rapidly.
“We have identified now that one of these chemicals is increasing rapidly and, if this increase is allowed to continue, it could offset some of the benefits to the Ozone Layer provided by the Montreal Protocol,” say the authors.
Experts contacted by the SMC for comment lauded the success of the the Montreal protocol so far, and noted that the agreement could be amended to include new substances as they were identified.
"[The] study shows that although the Montreal Protocol has clearly been successful in protecting the ozone layer, we cannot let our guard down." commented Dr Karin Kreher of Bodeker Scientific.
"Ongoing vigilance is required for uncontrolled emissions of other substances that might have a greater impact on the ozone layer than expected to date."
Further expert commentary on the research is available on the Science Media Centre website.
Akl in fruit fly lockdown
A Queensland fruit fly discovered in Auckland has biosecurity authorities on high alert.
The single male fly was found in a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) surveillance trap on Monday night in the Grey Lynn area of Auckland.
It has prompted a 1.5 kilometre control zone to be established around the location, where fresh fruit and vegetables (except for leafy vegetables and root vegetables) cannot be moved outside of the area.
Also know as Q’fly, the species can infest more than 100 kinds of fruit and vegetables and if a breeding population became established in New Zealand it could have significant impact on the horticultural industry.
According to the MPI, this is the fourth Queensland fruit fly that has been found in northern New Zealand since 2012. In all previous cases the solitary fly was the only detection and no breeding populations were found in the area.
The latest release from the Ministry notes the restrictions will likely be in place for several weeks.
Read more on the story and its media coverage on the Science Media Centre website.
Quoted: The Guardian
"Fat children
are an investment in future sales."
Dr. Tim Lobstein from the World Obesity Federation, comments onfast food advertising targeting children.
Policy news &
developments
EEZ amendment bill: A Bill to
amend the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf
(Environmental Effects) Act 2012 has been introduced to
allow petroleum operators, like the Maui platform, to
continue until all appeals on a marine consent application
are resolved.
Hearing for Mainman insecticide: The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is holding a hearing on an application to import Mainman, which contains flonicamid - a pesticide not previously approved in New Zealand.
Hearing for Ranman fungicide:
The EPA is holding a hearing on an application to import the
anti-fungal agent Ranman, which contains cyazofamid - not
seen in any currently approved substances in New
Zealand.
New from Sciblogs
Some of
the highlights from this week's Sciblogs
posts:
Uncertain predictions - Robert
Hickson looks at what makes a good forecaster and the level
of certainty they have when making
predictions.
Ariadne
Dead Famous DNA - Peter Deardon
at Genetics Otago shares why he finds the TV programme Dead
Famous DNA "beyond ludicrous".
Southern
Genes
Cow trampling increases nitrate
leaching - Lynley Hargreaves interviews
student Kyle Robertson on why he squashes soil with a press
and pours fake cow pee on top.
Infrequently Asked
Questions
The long shadow of war on the health of
military personnel- Nick Wilson takes a look at
a recently published study of the lifespan of NZ soldiers
who participated in WW1 and asks what are the longer term
health outcomes for military personnel in war.
Public
Health Expert
Food and genetic modification: better
informed policy and legislation wanted - Grant
Jacobs shares his opinion editorial piece on the recent Food
Matters Aoteoroa conference.
Code for
Life
ends
Science Media Centre NZ
Our aim is to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.
The Science Media Centre is New Zealand's only trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to science. Thousands of news stories providing context from and quoting New Zealand researchers have been published as a direct result of our work.
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