Experts estimate that the ozone layer will fully recover in four decades, indicating that it is on track for recovery.
¡°In the upper stratosphere and in the ozone hole we see things getting better,¡± said Paul Newman, co-chair of the scientific assessment.
The term "Ozone Hole" refers to a region in the stratosphere where ozone concentrations drop dramatically during certain months. Ozone is mainly found in the upper atmosphere, or stratosphere, between 10 and 50 kilometres above the earth's surface.
Ozone eliminates a significant threat to life forms on earth by absorbing the sun's UV radiation. UV rays can lead to diseases, deformities, and skin cancer in plants and animals.
The terrestrial and aquatic biogeochemical mechanisms are affected by an increase in ultraviolet rays, which alters both the sources and a greenhouse gas storehouse. Events like climate change are rising as a result of all of this.
The elimination of nearly 99 per cent of banned ozone-depleting substances has helped, according to an UN-backed panel of experts. In its report, which is published every four years, the Scientific Assessment Panel to the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances predicted that the ozone hole would be completely filled by around 2066.
"If current policies remain in place, the ozone layer is expected 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," the United Nations Environment Program, said in a statement.
WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas said, ¡°Ozone action sets a precedent for climate action. Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us what can and must be done ¨C as a matter of urgency ¨C to transition away from fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and so limit temperature increase.¡±?
Between September 7 and October 13, 2022, the ozone hole averaged 23.2 million square kilometres, continuing its shrinking trend. The Montreal Protocol's positive impact on the climate is highlighted by the most recent assessment. It is anticipated that the gradual reduction in the production and consumption of many hydrofluorocarbons will prevent warming of 0.3¨C0.5 degrees Celsius by 2100.
The evaluation also reveals that, over the course of the past 35 years, the Protocol has evolved into a true champion of the environment and that it is necessary to continue following this path in order to prevent the planet from warming. It is impossible to overstate the impact of the Montreal Protocol on reducing the effects of climate change.?
Meg Seki, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Environment Programme¡¯s Ozone Secretariat, said in a statement, "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."?
The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement on environmental protection that prohibits the use of substances that deplete the ozone layer. The protocol, which was approved on September 15, 1987, is the only UN treaty that has ever been ratified by all 197 UN member states.
Ozone depletion over the Arctic was much greater in 2020. The last significant Arctic ozone hole was reported in 2011.
Unusual atmospheric conditions, including freezing temperatures in the stratosphere harm the ozone layer. According to a report from the European Space Agency, the Arctic ozone layer was being degraded because of cold temperatures (below -80 ¡ãC), sunlight, wind fields, and substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
The polar vortex¡ªa circling whirlpool of stratospheric winds¡ªtrapped cold air in 2020, despite the fact that temperatures in the Arctic typically do not drop as low as those in Antarctica. However, in comparison to what is typically observed in the southern hemisphere, the hole was still quite small.