The ozone layer has shown significant improvement, with the Antarctic ozone holes in 2024 being smaller than in prior years. New Report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
This map depicts the size and shape of the Antarctic ozone hole on October 5th, 2022. Image credit: Earth Observatory by Joshua Stevens/NASA.
The depth of the Antarctic ozone hole in 2024 (which typically appears every spring) was below the average levels measured from 1990 to 2020, with the maximum ozone mass deficit recorded on September 29th at 46.1 million tons.
From 2020 to 2023, it remained smaller than a significantly larger hole.
Its development was relatively gradual, with ozone depletion slowing by September, followed by a quicker recovery after reaching the maximum deficit.
“This consistent progression is considered a strong indicator of early recovery in the Antarctic ozone holes,” stated WMO experts.
The alarm was initially sounded by scientists in 1975 when the WMO reported “changes in the ozone layer due to human activities and certain geophysical factors.”
If current policies remain in effect, the latest assessment for 2022 indicates that the ozone layer is projected to return to 1980 levels (prior to the appearance of ozone holes) around 2066, 2045 in the Arctic, and globally by 2045.
“Despite the significant success of the Montreal Protocol over the years, this effort remains ongoing, and continuous monitoring of stratospheric ozone and ozone-depleting substances is essential,” experts noted.
“WMO’s scientific research on the ozone layer spans decades,” remarked Celeste Sauro, WMO executive director.
“It relies on trust, international collaboration, and a commitment to free data exchange—fundamental principles of the world’s most successful environmental agreements.”
“To date, the Montreal Protocol has resulted in over 99% reduction in the production and consumption of controlled ozone-depleting substances used in refrigeration, air conditioning, fire foam, and even hairsprays.”
“Consequently, the ozone layer is on course to recover to 1980 levels by the middle of this century, significantly lowering the risk of ecosystem damage from skin cancer, cataracts, and UV overexposure.”
Source: www.sci.news
