Earth's Ozone Layer Is Healing, UN Report Confirms
A new UN report confirms that Earth's protective ozone layer is steadily healing and is on track to recover to 1980 levels by mid-century. The World Meteorological Organization credits this significant environmental success to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that successfully phased out the production of ozone-depleting chemicals. The recovery is hailed as a powerful example of how concerted global action, guided by science, can effectively address major planetary crises like climate change.
Unpacked:
Ozone depletion was mainly caused by chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), used in refrigerants, aerosols, and foam products. These substances break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, reducing Earth's protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, required countries to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. Over 99% of these chemicals have been eliminated globally, leading to observable healing of the ozone layer and a reduction in the size of seasonal ozone holes.
Yes. Factors such as wildfires can damage the ozone layer. For example, Australia’s 2019-2020 wildfires destroyed about 1% of ozone above the Southern Hemisphere. Policy changes and climate-related events could also delay recovery.
Healing of the ozone layer has reduced exposure to ultraviolet radiation, preventing millions of skin cancer and cataract cases. It also protects ecosystems and supports climate stability, demonstrating the benefits of coordinated global action.