Ozone layer shows signs of recovery, potentially full in 40 years

ozone layer recovery Montreal Protocol World Meteorological Organization ultraviolet radiation environmental policy

The ozone layer is showing significant signs of recovery, with scientists estimating a full restoration process could be completed in approximately 40 years. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the ozone hole in 2025 was among the smallest recorded in recent decades, marking the second consecutive year where both depth and extent remained significantly below the 1990–2010 averages.

This environmental progress is largely attributed to international cooperation, specifically the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. These agreements have facilitated the phase-out of over 99 percent of regulated ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). While recovery in the upper stratosphere is clear across nearly all latitudes, experts note that the situation in the lower stratosphere remains more complex and less certain.

On the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, officials highlighted that the ozone layer remains a vital shield, absorbing most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Protecting this layer is essential for preventing skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to marine ecosystems.

Entities

European Space Agency · Kigali Amendment · Montreal Protocol · NASA · United Nations · World Meteorological Organization

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The ozone layer acts as a shield by absorbing most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. reportediario.cl · eldiario.com · vanguardia.com.mx
[● 5 SOURCES] The Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment have successfully reduced the use of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases. reportediario.cl · eldiario.com · vanguardia.com.mx · rama-prozor.info · prigorski.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] The ozone layer is estimated to complete its recovery process in about 40 years. reportediario.cl · eldiario.com · vanguardia.com.mx
[○ 1 SOURCE] There has been a clear recovery of ozone in the upper stratosphere between 2000 and 2024 across nearly all latitudes. reportediario.cl
[○ 1 SOURCE] The ozone layer is not yet fully recovered, particularly in the lower stratosphere where signals are less clear. reportediario.cl
[● 2 SOURCES] The ozone hole in 2025 was one of the smallest in recent decades. rama-prozor.info · prigorski.hr