Within decades: Ozone layer on track for full recovery

The Earth’s ozone layer is expected to recover within decades according to research released by the United Nations.

This news is a sign of success for the 1987 Montreal Protocol which saw 198 states agree to rid the world of ozone-depleting substances such as chloroflurocarbons.

It was discovered in 1985 that a large hole had emerged above Antarctica in the ozone layer which protects us from harmful UV radiation.

Now, it appears that the efforts are working. The new report shows that the ozone layer should recover to its 1980 values within decades, varying by region.

By 2066, over the Antarctic, by 2045, over the Arctic, and by 2040 in all other regions.

Antarctica saw the most extensive depletion of ozone but has been in recovery since 2000 thanks to global efforts.

In addition to helping protect the population from UV radiation, the recovery of the ozone layer is also positive news for the climate.

Some gases targeted by treaties aimed at the protection of ozone are also strong greenhouse gases. Their removal from the atmosphere is helping limit global temperature rises.

It is noted in the report that as a result of action taken to protect the ozone layer, up to an extra 1C has been avoided in global warming.