New Data Shows Evidence of the Ozone Layer Recovering

In 2024, the World Meteorological Organization reported a lower rate of ozone layer depletion compared to previous years. Such progress sparks hope for environmental recovery from the acceleration of climate change in recent years.

Natalie Tan ’26, co-president of the Environmental Action Club, reflected on the impact of the ozone layer on Earth’s climate. She stated, “Think of the ozone layer as Earth’s sunscreen; it blocks the harsh UV rays that would otherwise hit us and damage ecosystems.”

In 1986, environmental scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration discovered that chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were the leading cause of ozone depletion.

CFCs commonly appeared in refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation and aerosol propellants, according to "MIT News."

The following year, the United Nations Environment Programme created a treaty called the Montreal Protocol. Every member of the UN signed this protocol to decrease the usage of CFCs and other Ozone-depleting Substances (ODS). The World Meteorological Organization reported that 40 years later, new evidence suggests that the ozone layer will recover to its early 1980s health by the mid-21st century.

In March 2025, researchers at MIT used the “fingerprinting” technique to identify the most consequential factor in the ozone layer’s recovery.

Scientists ran simulations of the Earth’s atmosphere with no change in greenhouse gases or ODS and then increased greenhouse gases and decreased ODS ("MIT News"). The experts discovered a pattern: ozone recovery is mainly due to a decrease in ODS.

According to upper school science teacher Rachel Lowenthal, this research “shows that if countries and corporations come together and decide to change their behavior and decision making, the earth can recover and respond.”

The World Meteorological Organization predicts the ozone layer’s recovery will significantly reduce rates of skin cancer and global ecosystem damage. However, corporations still need to follow the Montreal Protocol to continue this trend of renewal, and scientists must keep monitoring our atmosphere.

Lowenthal wondered, “What decisions could be made for [the Holton community] that would be better for our health and the environment more broadly?”

Her ideas include implementing meatless Mondays, installing hand dryers in bathrooms and using renewable energy on campus.

Tan remarked, “Whether this [improvement] means maintaining air conditioners and fridges to protect against ODS leakage to generally reducing single-use plastics and turning off lights, every member of our community has a chance to make an everyday impact."