The 2025 Antarctic ozone hole was the smallest and shortest-lived for five years, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) has said, fuelling hopes for the recovery of the ozone layer.
The Antarctic ozone hole, which is shaped by temperatures and winds in the stratosphere in the southern hemisphere, along with the presence of human emitted Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), closed on 1 December this year, which is the earliest closure since 2019.
It also marks the second consecutive year of relatively small ozone holes, compared to the series of larger holes that were recorded from 2020 to 2023.
‘A reassuring sign’
“The earlier closure and relatively small size of this year’s ozone hole is a reassuring sign and reflects the steady year-on-year progress we are now observing in the recovery of the ozone layer thanks to the ODS ban,” commented Laurence Rouil, CAMS director.
“This progress should be celebrated as a timely reminder of what can be achieved when the international community works together to address global environmental challenges.”
Development path
The 2025 Antarctic ozone hole developed in mid-August, along a path similar to that of 2023, while by early September, it had reached its maximum area for the year at 21.08 million square kilometres, which was below the 26.1 million square kilometres recorded in 2023.
Throughout September and October, its area remained between 15 and 20 million square kilometres, before declining rapidly in November, and closing fully on 1 December.
‘Compared to recent years, the 2025 ozone hole showed higher than average ozone column minimum and lower ozone mass deficit, indicating higher ozone concentrations in the Antarctic stratosphere,’ CAMS said.
According to CAMS, the period from 2020 to 2023 was an indication of how severe ozone depletion could have become without the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments, which have regulated the production and consumption of ODS. Read more here.
