Good news for our planet’s health! According to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Earth’s crucial ozone layer is well on its way to recovery, projected to return to its 1980s state by the middle of this century. This encouraging development comes alongside observations that the 2024 Antarctic ozone hole is notably smaller than in recent years.
The WMO Ozone Bulletin 2024 highlights that while natural atmospheric factors played a role in this year’s reduced ozone depletion, the long-term positive trend unequivocally reflects the triumph of collective global efforts.
This significant announcement was made on World Ozone Day, which also marked the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention. This landmark convention established the groundwork for international collaboration in protecting the ozone layer.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized, “Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer, guided by science, united in action. The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol became a landmark of multilateral success. Today, the ozone layer is healing. This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible.”
Indeed, the Montreal Protocol has been instrumental, successfully phasing out over 99 percent of controlled ozone-depleting substances. These chemicals were once widely used in everyday products like refrigeration, air conditioning systems, firefighting foams, and even hairsprays.
As a direct consequence of these actions, the ozone layer is anticipated to fully recover to its 1980s levels by mid-century. This restoration will significantly diminish the risks of conditions such as skin cancer and cataracts, and protect vital ecosystems from harmful ultraviolet radiation, as detailed in the WMO bulletin.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the WMO, noted the fitting theme for World Ozone Day: ‘From Science to Global Action,’ which perfectly aligns with WMO’s 75th-anniversary slogan, ‘Science for Action.’ She stated, “This is no coincidence.”
Matt Tully, Chair of WMO’s Scientific Advisory Group on Ozone and Solar UV Radiation, reminded us, “Despite the great success of the Montreal Protocol in the intervening decades, this work is not yet finished, and there remains an essential need for the world to continue careful systematic monitoring of both stratospheric ozone and of ozone-depleting substances and their replacements.”
The WMO reported that the overall stratospheric ozone cover has been higher than in preceding years. Specifically, the 2024 Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum deficit of 46.1 million tonnes on September 29, a smaller size compared to the larger holes observed between 2020 and 2023. Its formation was relatively slow, with a delayed onset of depletion in September, followed by a swift recovery.
The bulletin concluded, “This persistent later onset has been identified as a robust indication of initial recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole.”