Ozone layer on track to be restored

The success of a 1987 agreement to stop using chemicals that damage the ozone layer means it may recover in a few decades

OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) equivalent emissions

1985: Hole discovered in ozone layer over Antarctic

1987: Montreal Protocol signed by 46 countries, pledging to phase out harmful chemicals blamed for ozone hole

2016: Kigali Amendment added to Protocol, to phase out HFCs*

2023

2040: Ozone expected to recover to 1980 levels over most of planet

2045: Ozone recovery expected over Arctic

2066: Ozone recovery expected over Antarctic


1.6 million metric tonnes per year
1.4 
1.2
1.0 
0.8 
0.6 
0.4 
0.2
0
1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100


ARCTIC 
60°N
60°S
ANTARCTIC


ACHIEVEMENTS OF MONTREAL PROTOCOL

Decline in emissions avoids global warming of around 0.5-1°C by 2050 
Actions taken under Protocol continue to contribute to ozone recovery


*Hydrofluorocarbons do not directly deplete ozone but contribute to climate change


Sources: New York Times, BBC, Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion (UN) 
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