The latest Ozone Bulletin from the World Meteorological Organization reveals a heartening trend: in 2024, Earth's ozone hole was smaller than in recent years. While natural atmospheric shifts drove some of the year-to-year change, the real game-changer has been collective global action.
On World Ozone Day and the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the milestone. "Today, the ozone layer is healing," he said, reminding us that science-led diplomacy can deliver planet-scale wins.
Since the Montreal Protocol kicked in, over 99% of controlled ozone-depleting chemicals, once common in refrigeration, air conditioning, firefighting foam and aerosols, have been phased out. Thanks to these measures, scientists forecast the ozone layer will rebound to 1980s levels by midcentury.
For young explorers and sun-chasers, this means lower risks of harmful UV rays: fewer cases of skin cancer, cataracts and damage to marine and terrestrial ecosystems. For entrepreneurs and tech innovators, it's proof that environmental treaties can drive market demand for sustainable alternatives and spark a wave of green innovation.
This victory shows what's possible when nations unite behind data-driven policy. As the world faces new challenges – from climate change to biodiversity loss – the ozone story offers a blueprint: timely science, clear goals and global solidarity can reshape our future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
