Ozone Layer Healing as Harmful Chemicals Decline, MIT Study Confirms
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...