The Antarctic ozone hole this year was the smallest and shortest-lived since 2019, according to the EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (Cams). Scientists called the finding a “reassuring sign” of ongoing recovery.
The hole reached a peak size of 21 million sq km in September—far below last year’s 26 million sq km—and closed earlier than usual. It marks the second consecutive year of improvement after several unusually large holes recorded between 2020 and 2023.
Cams attributes the progress to the global ban on ozone-depleting substances under the 1987 Montreal protocol. The ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful UV radiation, is expected to return to 1980 levels over Antarctica by 2066.
Scientists are still investigating why recent holes were so large, with the 2022 Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption believed to be a factor. Nonetheless, researchers say current trends match long-term predictions of gradual recovery.
US agencies Nasa and NOAA also reported that the 2025 ozone hole ranks among the smallest since the early 1990s. Despite the positive signs, experts stress the ozone layer still has “a long way to go” before full restoration.
