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."
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Europe experienced its most extensive flooding since 2013 last year, with 30% of the continent’s river network impacted by severe floods, according to a joint report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit San Diego County on Monday, shaking homes and disrupting daily life across the region. Originating near Julian, the tremor was felt in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, with residents noting its intensity and duration.
A sandstorm in Najaf, Iraq, has drastically reduced visibility and disrupted daily life, causing major traffic problems and challenging both residents and authorities.
Talks between Washington and Tehran may be happening, but President Donald Trump says time is running out.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Asian markets edged higher on Tuesday, lifted by gains in auto stocks after US President Donald Trump suggested he might ease tariffs on vehicles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone, discussing the situations in Syria, Gaza, and efforts for a Ukraine ceasefire, according to diplomatic sources.
NORAD has monitored a Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, confirming it remained in international airspace and posed no threat.
The European Union is drafting its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, to be discussed at a foreign ministers' meeting in May, according to the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 10th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The death toll from the catastrophic roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo has risen to 98, with more than 160 people injured, according to Dominican authorities.
A quiet Thursday afternoon at St. Peter’s Basilica turned into something extraordinary, as visitors caught a rare glimpse of Pope Francis — not in his familiar white papal robes, but dressed in black trousers and a striped blanket.
In a dramatic about-face, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 90-day pause on newly implemented tariffs for dozens of countries — a move that eased market turmoil but further escalated tensions with China.
China has unveiled an ambitious expansion of its renewable energy programme, pledging major investment in solar and wind infrastructure to boost clean energy to 40% of its power mix by 2030—marking a decisive shift toward grid integration and nationwide deployment.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
Brazil has named automotive industry executive Dan Ioschpe as its official “climate champion” for the COP30 summit, to be held in Belém this November.
Belgium and Vietnam have signed agreements to collaborate on green hydrogen production during King Philippe’s historic visit to Hanoi.
The World Bank reported that air pollution leads to approximately 5.7 million deaths each year, with 95% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income nations. It also causes economic losses amounting to 5% of global GDP due to health impacts, productivity decline, and reduced life expectancy.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Asian markets edged higher on Tuesday, lifted by gains in auto stocks after US President Donald Trump suggested he might ease tariffs on vehicles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone, discussing the situations in Syria, Gaza, and efforts for a Ukraine ceasefire, according to diplomatic sources.
NORAD has monitored a Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, confirming it remained in international airspace and posed no threat.
The European Union is drafting its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, to be discussed at a foreign ministers' meeting in May, according to the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment