NOAA, NASA: Antarctic ozone hole 5th smallest
NOAA and NASA report this year’s Antarctic ozone hole was the fifth smallest on record. NASA’s Paul Newman says ozone holes are now forming later and breaking up earlier, but full recovery to 1980s levels is still a long way off, and scientists warn interannual variability — including wildfires and large volcanic eruptions — can make some seasons’ holes larger than normal.
📌 Key Facts
- NOAA and NASA reported this season's Antarctic ozone hole was the 5th smallest on record.
- Reporting frames the ozone layer recovery as a UN treaty 'success story' and says the layer is on track for full recovery.
- NASA scientist Paul Newman says ozone holes are now forming later in the season and breaking up earlier, reflecting a shortening of the ozone-hole season.
- Newman cautions that despite these improvements, full recovery to 1980s ozone levels is still a long way off.
- Atmospheric scientist Laura Revell notes that interannual variability — including wildfires and large volcanic eruptions — can produce some seasons with larger-than-normal ozone holes even amid the overall recovery trend.
📊 Relevant Data
The largest Antarctic ozone hole ever recorded reached approximately 11 million square miles (28.3 million square kilometers) on September 3, 2000.
Largest-ever Ozone Hole over Antarctica — NASA Earth Observatory
A 10% ozone depletion is estimated to cause a 19% increase in the incidence rate of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM).
The relationship between skin cancers, solar radiation and ozone — PMC
There is an estimated additional burden of 33,000 melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer cases attributed to ozone layer depletion.
Ozone Layer Depletion and Emerging Public Health Concerns — Frontiers in Oncology
Black Americans have a 26% higher risk of death from melanoma than white Americans, despite lower incidence rates, potentially due to later diagnosis.
Despite lower diagnosis rates, Black men at higher risk of melanoma — Northwell Health
The Montreal Protocol is estimated to save an estimated two million people each year by 2030 from skin cancer.
About Montreal Protocol — UNEP
Every dollar invested in ozone protection provides $20 in health benefits in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol — Obama White House Archives
Climate change is expected to cool the stratosphere, preserving conditions for ozone depletion over a longer time period and potentially delaying recovery.
Ozone Depletion and Climate Change — DEFRA UK Air
Under the Montreal Protocol, developing countries have longer phase-out timelines for ozone-depleting substances compared to developed countries, with financial support from the Multilateral Fund.
About Montreal Protocol — UNEP
📰 Sources (2)
- NASA’s Paul Newman says ozone holes are now forming later in the season and breaking up earlier, while cautioning full recovery to 1980s levels is still a long way off.
- Atmospheric scientist Laura Revell notes interannual variability drivers — including wildfires and large volcanic eruptions — can make some seasons’ holes larger than normal even amid the overall recovery trend.