A new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has confirmed that the ozone layer over Antarctica is recovering, thanks to global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The study published in Nature on March 5, 2025, provides the strongest evidence yet that human intervention, rather than natural climate variations, is responsible for this progress.
The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere 15 to 30 kilometers above Earth, acts as a protective shield, absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. In 1985, scientists discovered a recurring seasonal “hole” in the ozone over Antarctica, allowing dangerous UV radiation to reach Earth’s surface, increasing the risk of skin cancer and environmental damage.
MIT scientist Susan Solomon, who first linked CFCs to ozone depletion in the 1980s, led the new study. She confirmed with 95% certainty that the ozone hole is shrinking due to reduced emissions of ozone-depleting substances. The research used advanced atmospheric simulations and satellite data from 2005 onward, revealing a distinct pattern of recovery that strengthened by 2018.
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, played a crucial role in this recovery. This global treaty aimed to phase out CFCs, commonly used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and spray cans. Since then, the use of ozone-depleting chemicals has dropped by 99%, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Scientists predict that if this trend continues, the Antarctic ozone hole could close completely by 2035. This success story highlights the power of international cooperation in tackling environmental challenges, providing hope for future climate actions.