Great News: The Hole In The Ozone Layer Is Healing

Earth’s protective ozone layer is healing, and scientists say it’s a remarkable example of what can happen when humans take action to protect the planet.

The positive news comes as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its Ozone Bulletin, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention, the agreement that first recognized ozone depletion as a global threat.

The latest data shows ozone depletion over Antarctica has improved significantly in recent years, continuing a long-term trend of recovery.

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While some of the improvement is due to natural atmospheric fluctuations, scientists emphasize the bigger story: This steady rebound began in earnest once the global community moved to phase out destructive chemicals known as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

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The ozone layer, located miles above Earth’s surface, shields life from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without it, risks of skin cancer, cataracts, immune system damage and disruptions to ecosystems would sharply rise.

Thanks to the Montreal Protocol of 1987, which saw nearly 200 countries joining forces to phase out CFCs in things like hairspray, refrigerators and firefighting foams, the ozone layer is now projected to return to previous levels by 2040 in most places.

If trends continue, the infamous ozone hole over the Antarctic is expected to heal by 2066.

“This is no coincidence,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo in a press release, noting decades of international collaboration, open data exchange and systematic monitoring that made the recovery possible.

Recent ozone healing has also contributed to progress on several other sustainability goals, including health, climate action, food security and biodiversity.

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Experts caution that the work isn’t finished. What humans do next is crucial.

“There remains an essential need for the world to continue careful monitoring,” said Matt Tully, Chair of WMO’s Scientific Advisory Group on Ozone and Solar UV Radiation.

Still, scientists view this news as a rare global environmental victory, and a model for how science and international cooperation can confront the planet's biggest challenges.

Weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities.