Overview

• A WMO bulletin says the ozone layer is recovering and is likely to return to roughly 1980 levels by mid-century, citing steep cuts to ozone‑depleting chemicals.
• Copernicus reported the Antarctic ozone hole measured about 21.08 million square kilometers in early September 2025, above the seasonal average but below historical highs.
• Argentina’s meteorological service and Copernicus warned that the hole displaced over Patagonia on Sept. 16–17, bringing unusually high UV to Ushuaia and then Río Gallegos and prompting health advisories.
• Scientists note large year‑to‑year swings—2023 among the largest holes, 2024 among the smallest—with 2025 tracking closer to long‑term averages so far.
• Officials highlight ongoing risks from long‑lived pollutants, detected illegal emissions and climate‑linked factors, while the Kigali Amendment targets high‑warming HFC substitutes.