Ozone layer poised to return to 1980s levels by 2050: WMO report
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The Earth’s ozone layer is on track to recover to its 1980s condition by the middle of this century, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Ozone Bulletin 2024.
The report highlighted that this year’s Antarctic ozone hole was smaller than in recent years, marking continued progress in global efforts to protect the atmosphere.
The bulletin, released on World Ozone Day, also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention, a major milestone in international cooperation for ozone protection.
“Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer, guided by science, united in action,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He praised the convention and its Montreal Protocol as “a landmark of multilateral success,” and emphasised that “when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible.”
The Montreal Protocol has already phased out over 99 per cent of controlled ozone-depleting substances, including chemicals once widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, firefighting foam, and hairspray. The WMO report noted that this collective action has contributed to the expected recovery of the ozone layer, which will significantly reduce risks such as skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to ecosystems.
“The theme for World Ozone Day is From Science to Global Action. It mirrors WMO’s 75th anniversary slogan Science for Action. This is no coincidence,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
Despite these successes, the need for continued monitoring remains critical.
Matt Tully, Chair of WMO’s Scientific Advisory Group on Ozone and Solar UV Radiation, said that despite the significant achievements of the Montreal Protocol over the years, the work is not yet complete. He emphasized the continued need for the world to systematically and carefully monitor both stratospheric ozone and ozone-depleting substances, as well as their replacements.
The 2024 Antarctic ozone hole reached its peak on September 29, with a maximum ozone mass deficit of 46.1 million tonnes. This was smaller than the larger ozone holes recorded between 2020 and 2023. The onset of depletion was slower, with delayed thinning in September followed by a rapid recovery.
“This persistent later onset has been identified as a robust indication of initial recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole,” the bulletin stated.
The report also pointed out that natural atmospheric factors contributed to the lower depletion this year, but stressed that the long-term healing is due to global action.