OZONE HOLE SMALLEST IN DECADES

The ozone hole above Earth was the smallest it has been in several decades over the past year, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

PHOTO: Ilustracija

In a report released to mark World Ozone Day, the WMO said that for the second consecutive year, the depth and extent of the ozone hole were significantly smaller compared with the period between 1990 and 2010.

According to the organization, last year's ozone hole was four to five times smaller than it was in 1992.

OZONE LAYER CONTINUES TO RECOVER

Experts say the reduction was partly influenced by natural atmospheric variability, but the key long-term factor has been the decline in the use of human-made substances that damage the ozone layer.

These include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were once widely used in refrigerators, air conditioners, firefighting foams and aerosol products.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the progress as a major environmental success story.

According to the WMO, the ozone layer has been showing signs of recovery since the beginning of this century, with full recovery expected over the coming decades.