IN NEWS
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that the Earth’s ozone layer is on track to recover to 1980 levels by the mid-21st century, highlighting the success of global environmental cooperation under the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol.
Introduction
The latest WMO Ozone Bulletin (2025) released on World Ozone Day (16 September) indicates a positive long-term trend in ozone recovery, driven by sustained international policy action. The findings reaffirm that scientific warnings, when combined with global cooperation, can successfully address planetary crises.
Status of Ozone Layer Recovery
The report highlights that the ozone hole in 2024 was smaller compared to recent years, signalling early signs of healing.
- The Antarctic ozone holeshowed:
- Delayed onset of depletion
- Faster recovery phase
- The maximum ozone mass deficit recorded was 46.1 million tonnes (Sept 29, 2024), which is below the 1990–2020 average
- This delayed depletion is considered a robust indicator of initial recovery
Further, ozone levels are measured in Dobson Units (DU), where:
- 300 DU is typical for mid-latitudes
- Variations occur across polar and tropical regions
Projected Timeline of Recovery
According to the latest scientific assessment (2022):
- Antarctica → Recovery by 2066
- Arctic region → Recovery by 2045
- Rest of the world → Recovery by 2040
These projections depend on the continuation of existing global policies.
Role of Global Environmental Agreements
The recovery is primarily attributed to coordinated global action:
Vienna Convention (1985)
- Recognised stratospheric ozone depletion as a global issue
- Provided a framework for:
- International cooperation
- Scientific research and monitoring
Montreal Protocol (1987)
- Achieved phasing out of over 99% of ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
- Targeted substances used in:
- Refrigeration
- Air conditioning
- Firefighting foams
- Aerosols
Kigali Amendment
- Focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
- Expected to prevent up to 0.5°C global warming by 2100
- Ratified by 164 parties
These agreements are widely regarded as the most successful multilateral environmental frameworks.
Significance of Ozone Recovery
The restoration of the ozone layer has wide-ranging implications:
- Health Benefits
- Reduced risk of skin cancer and cataracts
- Environmental Protection
- Safeguards ecosystems from harmful UV radiation
- Climate Co-benefits
- HFC reduction contributes to climate change mitigation
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite progress, the report stresses:
- Need for continuous monitoring of ozone levels
- Regulation of replacement chemicals (HFCs)
- Importance of scientific data sharing and global cooperation
Thus, while recovery is underway, policy continuity and vigilance remain critical.
NECESSARY STATIC PART
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- Type: United Nations specialized agency
- Function (as per input):
- Publishes Ozone Bulletin
- Conducts scientific assessments on ozone and UV radiation
- Promotes data exchange and international collaboration
Reports Mentioned
- WMO Ozone Bulletin (2025)
- Global Scientific Assessment (2022)
Updated – 16 September 2025 News Source: Down To Earth