A new MIT study confirms that the ozone hole over Antarctica is healing, thanks to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, with full recovery possible in the next decade.
After years of uncertainty and promise, it’s now confirmed: the ozone hole over Antarctica is recovering, thanks to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances. A new study led by scientists at MIT shows, with high statistical certainty, that the ozone layer is healing as a direct result of efforts to reduce these harmful substances, not due to natural weather variability.
While there has been mounting evidence pointing to this recovery, this is the first study to quantify and confirm it with 95% confidence. Susan Solomon, a study author and prominent atmospheric chemist at MIT, expressed her optimism: "This is the first study that has quantified confidence in the recovery of the ozone hole... and it shows that we can solve environmental problems."
The ozone layer, located 15 to 30 kilometers above Earth’s surface, acts as a protective shield against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. In the 1970s and '80s, scientists discovered a significant hole forming over Antarctica, primarily caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These compounds, used in aerosols, solvents, and refrigerants, released chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, breaking down ozone molecules.
Antarctica’s extreme cold temperatures and unique atmospheric conditions caused a more intense depletion of the ozone layer, especially during the Southern Hemisphere's spring. Susan Solomon was one of the first scientists to gather crucial evidence of this depletion in 1986. This led to the Montreal Protocol in 1987, where 197 countries and the EU committed to phasing out ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
For years, scientists noticed the ozone hole was shrinking, but the unpredictable variability of the atmosphere made them cautious in confirming the recovery. With 15 years of data now at hand, researchers are confident that the ozone layer is indeed bouncing back. If the current trend continues, scientists predict the ozone layer could fully recover in around 10 years.
Solomon remains hopeful: "By 2035, we might see a year with no ozone hole at all. It will be exciting, and some of you will witness this recovery in your lifetimes. And that is something humanity achieved together."
The United States is open to exploring a critical minerals partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the State Department said on Sunday, as Kinshasa weighs new investment ties. The talks come as Congo faces ongoing conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Russian forces recaptured three more settlements in the western Kursk region, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday, as Moscow pushes to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine last August.
New research on Greenland sharks reveals genetic traits linked to their 400-year lifespan and resistance to cancer. Multiple copies of genes related to immune function and DNA repair may hold key insights for human aging and health.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three leaders of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 commanders, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the Rwandan-backed rebels seizing large portions of eastern DR Congo.
Election posters from the Inuit Ataqatigiit party are seen in Nuuk ahead of the March 11th general election in Greenland.
The United States is open to exploring a critical minerals partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the State Department said on Sunday, as Kinshasa weighs new investment ties. The talks come as Congo faces ongoing conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Russian forces recaptured three more settlements in the western Kursk region, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday, as Moscow pushes to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine last August.
New research on Greenland sharks reveals genetic traits linked to their 400-year lifespan and resistance to cancer. Multiple copies of genes related to immune function and DNA repair may hold key insights for human aging and health.
A recent Brazilian study suggests that fish oil may play a key role in reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose tolerance, offering hope for non-obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three leaders of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 commanders, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the Rwandan-backed rebels seizing large portions of eastern DR Congo.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Heavy rainfall in northwestern Peru has caused a river to overflow, destroying infrastructure, flooding agricultural lands, and affecting at least 150 families in Tumbes province.
Two buses have collided in Barcelona today, Monday 3 March which has left 51 people injured, four of which are said to be critical.
New research on Greenland sharks reveals genetic traits linked to their 400-year lifespan and resistance to cancer. Multiple copies of genes related to immune function and DNA repair may hold key insights for human aging and health.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Despite the US exit from the Paris Agreement, UK climate envoy Rachel Kyte reaffirms Britain’s commitment to climate goals, stressing the importance of global action and green energy investments.
The United Nations Development Programme has kicked off a project aimed at supporting the resilience of agricultural production and conserving ecosystems in Northern Kazakhstan.
A "doomsday" vault storing food crop seeds from around the world in man-made caves on a remote Norwegian Arctic island will receive more than 14,000 new samples on Tuesday, a custodian of the facility said.
The United States is open to exploring a critical minerals partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the State Department said on Sunday, as Kinshasa weighs new investment ties. The talks come as Congo faces ongoing conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Russian forces recaptured three more settlements in the western Kursk region, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday, as Moscow pushes to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine last August.
New research on Greenland sharks reveals genetic traits linked to their 400-year lifespan and resistance to cancer. Multiple copies of genes related to immune function and DNA repair may hold key insights for human aging and health.
A recent Brazilian study suggests that fish oil may play a key role in reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose tolerance, offering hope for non-obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three leaders of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 commanders, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the Rwandan-backed rebels seizing large portions of eastern DR Congo.
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