Ozone hole over half of Antarctica
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WELLINGTON (AFP) - A hole in the earth's ozone layer covers nearly half of Antarctica and is getting bigger, an American pilot who flew scientific missions over the continent said yesterday. James Barrilleaux said the hole is about 12 million square miles in area. The latest satellite pictures from the region show about 50 per cent of the ozone was gone and the problem would get worse before improving.
Mr Barrilleaux is visiting New Zealand to explain the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's atmosphere research programme. In 1987 he flew in a modified U2 spy plane on the first scientific mission to investigate the ozone hole.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments