According to the WMO, the ozone layer could recover to pre-1980 levels by around 2066 over the Antarctic if current policies remain in place. This would also lead to full recovery of the layer by 2045 over the Arctic and 2040 for the rest of the world.
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has revealed strong evidence that the ozone layer is healing, thanks to global efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances. The annual Ozone and UV Bulletin, released on Monday, coincides with World Ozone Day, which commemorates the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent Kigali Amendment.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, welcomed the progress made in ozone layer recovery, emphasizing the importance of continued protection measures. “The Protocol’s Kigali Amendment, which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – powerful climate-warming gases – can contribute to advancing climate mitigation efforts, protecting people and planet,” he stated.
According to the WMO, the ozone layer could recover to pre-1980 levels by around 2066 over the Antarctic if current policies remain in place. This would also lead to full recovery of the layer by 2045 over the Arctic and 2040 for the rest of the world.
Matt Tully, Chair of WMO’s Scientific Advisory Group on Ozone and Solar UV Radiation, noted the crucial role of the organization’s Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme in supporting ozone science through observations, analysis, modelling, data stewardship, and capacity-building. “It is critical that observations of ozone, ozone-depleting substances and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are maintained with the quality, resolution and global coverage necessary to account for changes in ozone over the coming decades,” he said.
Once an ailing patient
The WMO bulletin also provided details on strategies to protect human health and the environment from ultraviolet radiation while exploring the impact of weather patterns and a significant volcanic eruption on the Antarctic ozone hole in 2023.
It found that the total column ozone values in 2023 were within the expected range, thanks to the decline of ozone-depleting chlorine and bromine in the stratosphere. While the bulletin highlighted positive changes to the Antarctic ozone hole, it also noted that atmospheric events can have a significant impact on its development.
The WMO emphasized the need for continued monitoring and research to fully understand the factors influencing ozone layer recovery and to address any unexpected changes.
The release of the WMO Ozone and UV Bulletin coincided with World Ozone Day, which celebrates the Montreal Protocol as one of the most successful environmental treaties. The theme for this year’s World Ozone Day was “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.”
“The ozone layer, once an ailing patient, is on the road to recovery,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “At a time when multilateralism is under severe strain, the Montreal Protocol stands out as a powerful symbol of hope.”
The WMO’s report offers a positive outlook for the ozone layer’s future, but it also underscores the importance of continued vigilance and international cooperation to ensure its long-term recovery and protect human health and the environment.
