GRRL! SUMMARY:
- In 2024, the Antarctic ozone hole ranked as the seventh smallest since the Montreal Protocol, averaging 20 million square kilometers, due to reductions in CFC emissions and favorable atmospheric conditions that transported additional ozone to the South Pole.
- With a maximum extent of 22.4 million square kilometers on September 28, this year’s ozone hole is evidence of the success of the Montreal Protocol, with the ozone layer expected to recover fully by 2066 if current trends continue.
- UV protection remains critical as areas with depleted ozone expose Earth’s surface to increased harmful radiation, affecting human health and ecosystems; NASA and NOAA continuously monitor ozone levels with satellite data and weather balloons to track recovery progress.
UPCOMING:
- September 28, 2024: Anniversary of the 2024 ozone hole size reduction event.
- October 2024: Scheduled release of annual report on ozone layer recovery by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
- November 2024: United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), discussions on ozone layer and climate policy.
- March 2025: World Ozone Day events and discussions on ozone layer protection initiatives.
- September 2025: Review of progress on the Montreal Protocol and its impact on ozone layer recovery.
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