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Chandigarh, Updated At : 08:36 PM Sep 16, 2025 IST

Ozone layer on track to return to 1980s levels by mid-century, says WMO report

The Earth's protective ozone layer is on track to return to 1980s levels by the middle of this century, with the 2024 Antarctic ozone hole smaller than in recent years, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in a new report. The WMO Ozone Bulletin 2024 said lower ozone depletion this year was partly due to natural atmospheric factors but stressed the long-term improvement reflects the success of global action.

The bulletin was released on World Ozone Day, which also marked the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention that laid the foundation for international cooperation on ozone protection.

"Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer, guided by science, united in action," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol became a landmark of multilateral success. Today, the ozone layer is healing. This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible," he said.

The Montreal Protocol has already phased out more than 99 per cent of controlled ozone-depleting substances once widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, firefighting foam and hairspray.

As a result, the ozone layer is projected to recover to 1980s levels by mid-century, reducing risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage, the WMO bulletin said.

"The theme for World Ozone Day is From Science to Global Action. It mirrors WMO's 75th anniversary slogan Science for Action. This is no coincidence," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. The WMO said the total stratospheric ozone cover was higher than in previous years. The 2024 Antarctic ozone hole peaked with a maximum ozone mass deficit of 46.1 million tonnes on September 29, smaller than the large holes observed between 2020 and 2023. Its onset was relatively slow, with delayed depletion in September followed by a rapid recovery.

"This persistent later onset has been identified as a robust indication of initial recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole," the bulletin said.

Oscar-winning actor, director Robert Redford passes away

Robert Redford, the Hollywood golden boy who became an Oscar-winning director, liberal activist and godfather for independent cinema under the name of one of his best-loved characters, died Tuesday at 89. Redford died “at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” publicist Cindi Berger said in a statement. After rising to stardom in the 1960s, Redford was one of the biggest stars of the '70s with such films as “The Candidate”, “All the President's Men” and “The Way We Were”, capping that decade with the best director Oscar for 1980's “Ordinary People”, which also won best picture in 1980.

His wavy blonde hair and boyish grin made him the most desired of leading men, but he worked hard to transcend his looks — whether through his political advocacy, his willingness to take on unglamorous roles or his dedication to providing a platform for low-budget movies.

His roles ranged from Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward to a mountain man in “Jeremiah Johnson” to a double agent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and his co-stars included Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise.

But his most famous screen partner was his old friend and fellow activist and practical joker Paul Newman, their films a variation of their warm, teasing relationship off screen.

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Ozone layer on track to return to 1980s levels by mid-century, says WMO report

Oscar-winning actor, director Robert Redford passes away

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