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Ozone Hole Shrinks Again: Smallest Since 2019

12/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

European space scientists reported that the ozone hole over Antarctica in 2025 was the smallest and shortest-lived since 2019, peaking at 21 million square kilometers in September.
This marks the second consecutive year of smaller holes, attributed to the 1987 Montreal Protocol's ban on ozone-depleting substances.
NASA and NOAA ranked the 2025 hole as the fifth smallest since 1992, noting that holes are forming later and breaking up earlier.
Experts emphasize that full recovery to 1980 levels remains a long-term goal.

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Story summary

European space scientists reported that the ozone hole over Antarctica in 2025 was the smallest and shortest-lived since 2019, peaking at 21 million square kilometers in September.
This marks the second consecutive year of smaller holes, attributed to the 1987 Montreal Protocol's ban on ozone-depleting substances.
NASA and NOAA ranked the 2025 hole as the fifth smallest since 1992, noting that holes are forming later and breaking up earlier.
Experts emphasize that full recovery to 1980 levels remains a long-term goal.