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Antarctica Ozone Hole Grows, but Prognosis Remains Good
Newser • • world
Key Points:
- The Antarctic ozone hole in 2026 reached its largest size in a decade and the seventh-largest since monitoring began nearly 50 years ago, covering about 10.5 million square miles at its peak on September 18.
- Scientists attribute the large ozone hole to an unusually strong and persistent polar vortex that kept cold air over Antarctica, extending the period of ozone depletion.
- Despite this setback, researchers emphasize that the global ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is effective, preventing the hole from being up to 2 million square miles larger.
- Models continue to predict significant healing of the ozone layer by the 2070s, supported by observations that the ozone hole is forming later in the season, indicating recovery progress.
- NASA’s Paul Newman highlights the positive trend in ozone recovery, reinforcing confidence in the long-term success of international environmental policies.
