CHILE

 
Published: Thursday 30 November 2000

Punta Arenas, a port city of Chile has been directly exposed to the biggest hole in the ozone layer. Local measurements indicate that the residents of the city are exposed to ozone levels 40 per cent greater than normal. Officials acknowledge the immediate need to solve the problem but say they do not have the finances to do so. The worsening situation has alarmed Chilean officials to such an extend that they are seeking financial help from the international community. Chile's ambassador to the United Nations, has asked the un General Assembly to intervene in the matter. "This is a problem that we did not create. The hole was created by the whole world," says Rodrigo Alvarez, a politician of Punta Arenas.

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