Story perspectives

Antarctic Ozone Hole Shrinks, Thanks to Montreal Protocol

11/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, the Antarctic ozone hole peaked at 8.83 million square miles, the fifth smallest since 1992.
It is about 30% smaller than the largest hole recorded in 2006.
Scientists say the reduction follows the Montreal Protocol, which cut ozone-depleting substances by one-third since 2000.
Monitoring continues with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites, while natural factors influence ozone levels.

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Story summary

In 2025, the Antarctic ozone hole peaked at 8.83 million square miles, the fifth smallest since 1992.
It is about 30% smaller than the largest hole recorded in 2006.
Scientists say the reduction follows the Montreal Protocol, which cut ozone-depleting substances by one-third since 2000.
Monitoring continues with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites, while natural factors influence ozone levels.