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Antarctic 'Ozone Hole' in 2025 Ranks as Fifth-Smallest Since 1992

Scientists report the 2025 Antarctic 'ozone hole' was the fifth-smallest since 1992, with a one-day peak of 8.83 million square miles in early September — about 30% smaller than the 2006 record. Experts attribute much of the improvement to reductions in ozone-depleting chemicals under the Montreal Protocol, while also noting natural atmospheric variability played a role. Paul Newman highlighted that lower stratospheric chlorine prevented the 2025 hole from being over one million square miles larger. The ozone layer remains on track for gradual recovery, but low ozone still poses health and environmental risks.

05:23 AM, 11/25/2025Environment
Antarctic 'Ozone Hole' in 2025 Ranks as Fifth-Smallest Since 1992

Scientists report that the Antarctic 'ozone hole' for 2025 was noticeably smaller than in many recent years, ranking as the fifth-smallest extent recorded since 1992. The largest single-day area measured this year occurred in early September, when the region of very low ozone covered 8.83 million square miles — about 30% smaller than the record extent measured in 2006.

The term 'ozone hole' does not describe a literal gap; it refers to a large area of the stratosphere with exceptionally low concentrations of ozone. Researchers note that both long-term reductions in ozone-depleting chemicals and year-to-year natural variability influenced the 2025 size.

What drove the improvement?

International action under the Montreal Protocol and its amendments has phased out the most harmful ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used for decades in aerosol sprays, foam insulation, air conditioners and refrigerators. Scientists estimate that declining stratospheric chlorine levels meaningfully limited this year’s ozone loss.

“This year’s hole would have been more than one million square miles larger if there was still as much chlorine in the stratosphere as there was 25 years ago,” said Paul Newman, a senior scientist in the University of Maryland system and longtime leader of NASA’s ozone research team.

Natural factors — including stratospheric temperature patterns and atmospheric circulation — also affect ozone depletion from year to year and likely contributed to the comparatively smaller extent in 2025.

Why this matters

Ozone in the stratosphere functions like Earth’s sunscreen, filtering harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When ozone levels are low, more UV reaches the surface, increasing risks for human health (skin cancer and cataracts), harming crops and ecosystems, and damaging marine life.

Scientists say the ozone layer remains on track for gradual recovery later this century as countries continue to replace harmful chemicals with safer alternatives. While the smaller 2025 extent is encouraging, researchers emphasize continued monitoring and international cooperation are essential to ensure long-term recovery.

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