The ozone layer is on track to recover from the damage it suffered and return to 1980s levels over the next few decades, according to a United Nations panel.
A UN-backed panel of experts presented their findings at the American Meteorological Society’s 103rd annual meeting, reporting that phasing out ozone-depleting substances has successfully protected the ozone layer from depletion, according to a press release. from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Good climate news: The ozone layer is on track to recover within 4 decades.
The healing of the Earth’s invisible shield is an inspirational example of how the world can come together to address global challenges like the climate crisis.
More from @WMO: https://t.co/Dh0h8kkPnY pic.twitter.com/J9YdEj7kbg
— United Nations (@UN) January 9, 2023
Experts expect the ozone layer to “recover to 1980 values (before the appearance of the ozone hole) by around 2066 over the Antarctic, by 2045 over the Arctic and by 2040 for the rest of the world,” according to the press release. The Antarctic ozone layer hole has been improving in area and depth since 2000, the UNEP and WMO noted. (RELATED: World Health Organization Finally Calls Out China For Lying About COVID-19)
“That ozone recovery is on track according to the latest quadrennial report is fantastic news. The impact the Montreal Protocol has had on climate change mitigation cannot be overstressed. Over the last 35 years, the Protocol has become a true champion for the environment,” said Meg Seki, executive secretary of the UNEP’s Ozone Secretariat, according to the press release.
The Montreal Protocol is a global environmental agreement adopted Sept. 16, 1987, to regulate the production and use of chemicals shown to damage the ozone layer, including hydrochloroflourocarbons (HFCs), which are used in refrigeration, air conditioning and foam.
The protocol developed timetables for phasing out the chemicals for developed and undeveloped countries and targeted 2020 for developed nations to completely phase out HFCs. Developing countries agreed to begin phasing out HFCs in 2013 and are expected to complete the phase out process by 2030, according to the UN.
Montreal Protocol guidelines have enabled 98% of chemicals harmful to the ozone layer to be phased out compared to 1990s levels, the UN notes.