New results show with high statistical confidence that ozone recovery is going strong.
A study led by MIT researchers, published in *Nature*, confirms that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing due to global reductions in ozone-depleting substances, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The Montreal Protocol, which phased out the production of CFCs, is credited with this recovery. Using satellite observations and model simulations, the study demonstrates with high statistical confidence that the ozone recovery is primarily due to human efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, rather than natural variability. The findings show that significant ozone recovery is now detectable from space, and if current trends continue, the ozone hole could disappear entirely by around 2035. The study highlights the effectiveness of international agreements in addressing environmental issues.
