Scientists discovered the ozone layer above Earth had a hole in it back in the 1980s. And it was there because of all those CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). Since then, there was a worldwide ban on CFCs in place in 1989, but to really heal from that, the ozone would take decades to heal, according to a group of scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center - by 2070 that is.

The ozone layer is important because it filters out much of the sun's harmful UV radiation. Without it, we would fry. Die. Having such a large hole, and mostly above Antarctica is a very bad thing. Scientists also believe that the hole over Antarctica is also affected by winds and temperature.

The good news is that, scientists expect to see substantial evidence of the ozone healing sometime in 10 years. It might also even heal faster than expected. Scientists estimated that chlorine levels in the ozone hole would decrease about 5 percent in the next 10 years though they’re noticing lower levels at about 5 percent per year instead.

Till then, some sun screen is much needed.

[Reuters]