Ozone Hole Expected to Be Fully Restored by 2050
(MENAFN) The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported on Tuesday that the ozone hole has contracted in 2024 compared to previous years, marking significant progress as the world observes International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
According to the latest WMO findings, Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer—the crucial barrier protecting the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation—continues to recover steadily, with a full restoration anticipated by mid-century.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reflected on the milestone, stating, “Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer -- guided by science, united in action.”
The report emphasizes the stratospheric ozone layer’s vital role in shielding life on Earth from ultraviolet radiation that can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and severe harm to ecosystems.
Recognized as a global environmental challenge four decades ago under the Vienna Convention, the issue of ozone depletion has driven international cooperation in scientific research and policy measures. This collaborative effort has culminated in the successes detailed in the new WMO report.
Guterres highlighted the significance of this global partnership: “The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol became a landmark of multilateral success. Today, the ozone layer is healing.”
The Montreal Protocol, a cornerstone agreement, has phased out more than 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals once widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam products, and aerosols. This regulatory framework has put the ozone layer on a recovery path back to its 1980s state by around 2050.
“This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible,” Guterres added.
Reiterating the urgency of continued action, he stressed, “Every fraction of a degree matters. Every action counts.”
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