Earth's Ozone Layer is on the Track to Recovery in Environmental Success Story

Earth's ozone layer may be on the path to recovery. Scientists have found that the concentrated, international action against ozone depleting substances has put our ozone back on the track to regeneration.

The stratospheric ozone layer is an important component of life here on Earth. It's a fragile shield of gas that protects our planet from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Without action during the Montreal Protocol, atmospheric levels of ozone depleting substances could have increased tenfold by 2050, which would have led to about 2 million cases of skin cancer annually by 2030.

Now, it seems as if this won't be in our Earth's future. The phase-out of ozone depleting substances has had an effect. Yet there are still challenges ahead; it turns out that some replacement substances are potent greenhouse gases, which can be detrimental to our world's climate.

"There are positive indications that the ozone layer is on track to recovery towards the middle of the century," said Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, in a news release. "The Montreal Protocol-one of the world's most successful environmental treaties-has protected the stratospheric ozone layer and avoided enhanced UV radiation reaching the earth's surface. However, the challenges that we face are still huge. The success of the Montreal Protocol should encourage further action not only on the protection and recovery of the ozone layer but also on climate."

The current study reveals that the total column ozone is expected to recover after its decline during the 1980s and 1990s. And while the Antarctic ozone hole continues to occur each spring, it's likely that it could disappear by the end of the century.

"International action on the ozone layer is a major environmental success story," said Michel Jarraud, WMO Secretary-General. "This should encourage use to display the same level of urgency and unity to tackle the even greater challenge of climate change. This latest assessment provides solid science to policy-makers about the intricate relationship between ozone and climate and the need for mutually supportive measures to protect life on Earth for future generations."

The new report can be found online here.