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."
China on Friday defended its recent export control measures on rare earth elements, insisting the restrictions are in line with international norms and not directed at any specific country.
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
Banksy has returned with a mysterious new artwork—this time, possibly in France—and fans are buzzing with theories.
Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool, has appeared in court after a car was driven into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s trophy parade earlier this week. The incident took place on Water Street, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate the team’s Premier League title win.
Model Hailey Bieber is selling her skincare brand Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth up to $1 billion (£790 million), with plans for international expansion and continued viral success.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s enduring support for United Nations peacekeeping operations, highlighting the country’s historic contributions and calling for renewed international resolve to strengthen peacekeeping efforts in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
China on Friday defended its recent export control measures on rare earth elements, insisting the restrictions are in line with international norms and not directed at any specific country.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF)-backed project, “Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq” (SRVALI), was officially launched on the sidelines of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference.
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
Banksy has returned with a mysterious new artwork—this time, possibly in France—and fans are buzzing with theories.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF)-backed project, “Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq” (SRVALI), was officially launched on the sidelines of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference.
A staggering 4 billion people—half of the world’s population—experienced at least 30 additional days of extreme heat over the past year due to human-induced climate change, a new international study revealed Friday.
The next five years are likely to be the warmest in recorded history, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as rising global temperatures push the planet closer to surpassing key climate thresholds with wide-ranging consequences.
A seabird chick found with 778 plastic pieces inside its body on a remote island between Australia and New Zealand has become a powerful symbol of the global plastic pollution crisis. Scientists say the plastic has caused chronic illness and cognitive decline in the bird, raising urgent concerns abo
Tajikistan is hosting the International Conference on Glacier Preservation from May 29 to June 1, 2025, in Dushanbe, aiming to highlight the urgent need to halt glacial retreat and elevate the issue on the global climate agenda.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s enduring support for United Nations peacekeeping operations, highlighting the country’s historic contributions and calling for renewed international resolve to strengthen peacekeeping efforts in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
China on Friday defended its recent export control measures on rare earth elements, insisting the restrictions are in line with international norms and not directed at any specific country.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF)-backed project, “Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq” (SRVALI), was officially launched on the sidelines of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference.
Federal authorities have arrested 14 suspects in Los Angeles linked to an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing $30 million in COVID relief and Small Business loans intended to support American taxpayers.
Banksy has returned with a mysterious new artwork—this time, possibly in France—and fans are buzzing with theories.
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