TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The ozone layer, Earth's protective shield against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, continues to recover.
According to the United Nations (UN), it is expected to fully restore by the middle of this century, as reported in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) annual bulletin released on International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, September 16, 2025.
Signs of Recovery in 2024
The WMO bulletin highlighted that the ozone hole in 2024 was smaller than in previous years, signaling positive progress.
Natural atmospheric factors have helped reduce the depletion rate, although long-term trends indicate that sustained recovery relies on continued global efforts.
The ozone layer protects life on Earth from UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage.
Historical Context: Threats from CFCs and HCFCs
In the 1970s, scientists discovered that chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), used in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and aerosols, were harmful to the ozone layer.
This prompted international cooperation, leading to the Vienna Convention of 1985 and the Montreal Protocol of 1987, which successfully phased out over 99% of ozone-depleting substances worldwide.
“Forty years ago, countries united to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer, guided by science, and united in action,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
He added that these agreements are milestones of multilateral success, showing that global cooperation guided by science can yield measurable results.
Ozone Hole Recovery Timeline
If current trends continue, the ozone hole could return to its 1980s state. Antarctic observations show early signs of recovery, with ozone depletion below the 1990–2020 average. However, full recovery in polar regions will take longer, with projections of:
Arctic: 2045
Antarctica: 2066
Experts caution that extreme events, such as massive forest fires, could slow progress. For instance, research in 2022 found that smoke from Australia’s 2019–2020 Black Summer fires damaged about 1% of the ozone layer over the Southern Hemisphere.
Ongoing Protection: Kigali Amendment and HFC Reduction
Recovery efforts continue through the 2016 Kigali Amendment, which targets hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs do not deplete the ozone, they are potent greenhouse gases, with warming potential up to 14,800 times that of CO2.
The amendment aims to:
Cut HFC production and consumption by over 80% within three decades
Prevent a global temperature rise of up to 0.5°C by 2100
This approach ensures that ozone protection and climate mitigation advance hand in hand.
The ozone layer’s recovery demonstrates the power of science-driven global policy. Continued vigilance, climate-conscious policies, and adherence to international agreements remain essential to ensure that this vital shield continues to heal and protect life on Earth.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News