Evidence suggests a recovery in Earth’s protective ozone layer, according to an announcement made Tuesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The organization reported that the ozone hole observed in 2024 was smaller than in previous years. While natural atmospheric fluctuations contributing to annual variations have partially influenced the lower rate of ozone depletion in 2024, the observed positive trend reflects the success of concerted international efforts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres lauded the progress, recalling that “forty years ago, nations united to take the first step towards protecting the ozone layer – guided by science, united in action”. He specifically highlighted the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol as a “milestone of multilateral success.
The Montreal Protocol, instrumental in this progress, led to a more than 99 percent reduction in the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances previously used in applications such as refrigerators, air conditioning, fire extinguishers and hairspray. This action places the ozone layer on a trajectory to return to 1980s levels by the middle of this century, significantly diminishing the risks of skin cancer, cataracts and ecosystem damage related to excessive ultraviolet radiation. The WMO emphasizes that this recovery serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change when nations heed scientific warnings and collaborate effectively.