cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/38095363

• Ozone layer remains on track to recovery in coming decades
• WMO Ozone Bulletin says ozone hole in 2024 smaller than previous years
• Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol show benefits of science for global action
• Stratospheric ozone protects people’s and planetary health
• Continued atmospheric monitoring is vital

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“Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer — guided by science, united in action,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

“The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol became a landmark of multilateral success. Today, the ozone layer is healing. This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible,” he said.

To date, the Montreal Protocol has led to the phase-out of over 99% of the production and consumption of controlled ozone-depleting substances, which were used in refrigeration, air conditioning, firefighting foam and even hairspray. As a result, the ozone layer is now on track to recover to 1980s levels by the middle of this century, significantly reducing risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage due to excessive UV exposure.

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