Ozone Hole Over Antarctica Becomes One of the Smallest in Decades
The ozone hole over Antarctica in 2025 was one of the smallest in several decades. This was stated in a report by the World Meteorological Organization, which is part of the UN system.
Illustrative photo
The area and depth of the ozone hole were significantly smaller than the average values for 1990–2010. According to the World Meteorological Organization, in 2025 it became the fourth or fifth smallest since 1992 – the period when significant ozone layer depletion was recorded.
The ozone hole was largest at the end of September 2025. However, its area was approximately a quarter of the average for 1990–2010. A similar situation was observed in 2024.
The WMO noted that the small size of the ozone hole in the last two years sharply contrasts with the situation in 2020–2023, when it was exceptionally large.
Experts believe that such fluctuations are likely related to natural climatic processes. At the same time, the long-term trend towards ozone layer recovery persists.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo called this a success in environmental protection. According to her, the ozone layer has been recovering since 2000, and its full recovery can be expected within the next few decades.