MOZOM-analyse
Ozone layer recovers: environmental policy that works
- Source
- WMO, UNEP en NASA/NOAA
- MOZOM headline
- Ozone layer recovers: environmental policy that works
- Original headline
- WMO reports that the relatively small 2025 ozone hole fits in with the slow recovery trend under the Montreal Protocol
- Author
- MOZOM-redactie
- Date
- 28 juni 2026 om 14:08
- Subject
- Analysis of the recovery of the ozone layer as an example of environmental policy that is not perfect, but can be measurable and internationally effective.
Summary of the original report
The World Meteorological Organization reported in December 2025 that the 2025 Antarctic ozone hole was relatively small and short-lived. According to WMO, NASA, NOAA and Copernicus, this fits in with the slow recovery trend of the ozone layer. The main reason remains the Montreal Protocol, the 1987 international agreement with which countries have phased out ozone-depleting substances step by step. Recovery expectations remain cautious: according to the latest major assessment, if existing policies remain in place, the ozone layer could return to pre-ozone hole values in large parts of the world around 2040, later over the polar regions.
Striking in this message
It is striking how unspectacular success sometimes sounds. No sudden rescue, no perfect line up, but decades of bans, checks, measurements and adjustments. That is precisely what makes the message strong: environmental policy does not have to look heroic to have a real effect.
Less visible context
It is less visible that the ozone layer will not recover through awareness alone. It involved concrete rules, substitute technology, international control and continued scientific observation. Vigilance also remains necessary: illegal emissions, new chemicals and climate interactions can delay recovery. Success here does not mean sitting back, but continuing with exactly the boring work that made success possible.
Possible message behind the news
A possible message is that policy only becomes credible when it is measurable, verifiable and long-term. The ozone layer is not recovering due to optimism, but due to agreements that countries continued to implement even after the news value.
Neutral conclusion
The neutral conclusion: the ozone layer has not yet finished recovering, but the Montreal Protocol remains one of the strongest examples of working environmental policy. Especially at a time when climate and nature problems often feel paralyzing, this is important news: international rules can fail, but they can also work.