Ozone Layer to Recover by 2050, Says WMO Report
The ozone layer is on track to recover to its 1980s levels by mid-century, according to a new WMO report. Thanks to decades of global cooperation and the Montreal Protocol, the Earth’s protective shield is healing, reducing health and environmental risks for future generations.
09:57 AM Sep 16, 2025 IST
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Aakash Khuman
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that the Earth’s ozone layer is steadily recovering and is expected to return to 1980s levels by mid-century. The 2024 WMO Ozone Bulletin revealed that this year’s Antarctic ozone hole was smaller than in recent years, thanks to both natural atmospheric factors and long-term global efforts.
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Global Action Pays Off
The report was released on World Ozone Day, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention, a landmark agreement that laid the groundwork for international cooperation on ozone protection. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the achievement, noting how nations “heeded the warnings of science” and worked together to protect the planet.
Montreal Protocol Success
The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, has already phased out over 99% of ozone-depleting substances once commonly found in products like refrigeration units, firefighting foams, and hairsprays. This monumental effort has significantly contributed to the ozone layer’s recovery and is projected to reduce risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage worldwide.
World Ozone Day Theme
This year’s World Ozone Day carried the theme “From Science to Global Action”, echoing WMO’s 75th anniversary slogan “Science for Action.” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted that this alignment is intentional, symbolizing how scientific research continues to drive real-world progress.
Continued Vigilance Needed
While progress has been remarkable, experts stress that monitoring must continue. Matt Tully, Chair of WMO’s Scientific Advisory Group on Ozone and Solar UV Radiation, warned that ozone-depleting substances and their replacements still require close observation to prevent setbacks.
Signs of Recovery
The bulletin noted that the 2024 Antarctic ozone hole peaked at 46.1 million tonnes on September 29, smaller than the unusually large holes seen between 2020 and 2023. Its delayed onset followed by rapid recovery is seen as a strong indicator of the ozone layer’s gradual healing.
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