The annual ozone hole over Antarctica has reached its smallest size and shortest duration since 2019, according to data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (Cams). This is a positive signal that the ozone layer is recovering.
Ozone Hole Reduction: Key Findings
This year, the gap in the ozone layer peaked at 21 million square kilometers (8.1 million square miles) in September – smaller than the 26 million square kilometers recorded in 2023. The hole then closed earlier than usual, ending on Monday. This marks the second consecutive year of smaller ozone holes following a period of larger, longer-lasting gaps between 2020 and 2023.
Why This Matters
The ozone layer is critical because it shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Depletion of the ozone layer increases risks to human health, including skin cancer and cataracts, and can damage crops. The shrinking hole demonstrates that international efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances are working.
The Montreal Protocol’s Success
The recovery is directly linked to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which banned harmful chemicals. This treaty is considered one of the most successful environmental agreements in history. Scientists now estimate the Antarctic ozone layer will return to 1980 levels by 2066.
Lingering Questions
Recent years have seen fluctuations in ozone hole size. While the 2020-2023 period saw larger holes, experts suspect volcanic eruptions, such as the 2022 Hunga Tonga event, contributed to the larger size of the ozone hole in 2023. Understanding these factors is important for predicting future trends.
Looking Ahead
NASA and NOAA rank this year’s ozone hole as the fifth smallest since 1992. Despite this progress, scientists caution that full recovery to 1980s levels will take decades. The changes in hole formation are consistent with predictions, but ongoing monitoring remains essential.
“This progress should be celebrated as a timely reminder of what can be achieved when the international community works together to address global environmental challenges,” said Laurence Rouil, the director of Cams.
The continued success of the Montreal Protocol shows that coordinated global action can address even the most pressing environmental threats.
