Revisiting the “Ozone Hole” Metaphor: From Observational Window to Global Environmental Threat
Résumé
In 1985, just over 30 years ago, the " ozone hole " made its appearance in the press as a truly global environmental threat. As one of the most important global environmental issues of the late twentieth century, the " ozone hole " is also and maybe most importantly a remarkable metaphorical, visual and imaginary construction. This essay examines the historical trajectory of one of the most influential environmental metaphors of the twentieth century, the famous " ozone hole, " from its birth within the astronomical community at the beginning of the twentieth century to its contemporary framing as a global environmental threat. The article provides evidence why metaphors constitute a valuable object of historically informed studies of scientific practice, and shows in particular how metaphorical landscapes shift over time, mapping at the same time larger social and political developments. The essay ends by showing how scientific images and metaphorical framings interact and how they shape scientific and popular discourse on nature, as well as our understanding of the global environment.
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