The ozone hole over Antarctica does not threaten Luxembourg
Jason Hawke 🇨🇦, Unsplash
After several years of record large ozone holes, 2024 showed values closer to the 1979-2021 average. The maximum area of the hole was 22 million km², which is smaller than the figures for 2022 and 2023. The closure occurred in early December, which is also in line with the average timing. Scientists attribute these changes to natural fluctuations in the atmosphere and ongoing recovery from the reduced use of ozone-depleting substances.
The shrinking ozone hole demonstrates the effect of international efforts that began with the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which banned the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This not only protected the ozone layer but also slowed global warming. However, events such as the eruption of the Hunga-Tonga volcano in 2021 still have an impact on the polar atmosphere.
The ozone hole is formed by the interaction of sunlight, chemicals and extremely cold temperatures. Polar stratospheric clouds create conditions for the destruction of ozone molecules. The polar vortex, which stabilises with the arrival of spring, plays a key role in this process.
The Montreal Protocol has reduced the use of ozone-depleting substances by 99 per cent, making it one of the most successful environmental agreements. Full recovery of the ozone layer is expected by mid-century, which will also reduce the impact of UV radiation on ecosystems and human health.
