NOAA, NASA release measurements of 2026 ozone hole
NOAA and NASA scientists reported that the Antarctic ozone hole reached an unusually large size in 2026 due to atypical weather conditions and a powerful polar vortex. Despite this, experts noted that the ozone layer is still on a long-term recovery path thanks to international efforts to reduce ozone-depleting chemicals.
Why it matters
Monitoring the ozone hole is critical for understanding atmospheric health and the effectiveness of global environmental treaties.
WORLDWIDE — Atypical weather conditions caused the Antarctic ozone hole to grow to an unusually large size in 2026, NOAA and NASA scientists reported today, though they said the protective ozone …
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WORLDWIDE — Atypical weather conditions caused the Antarctic ozone hole to grow to an unusually large size in 2026, NOAA and NASA scientists reported today, though they said the protective ozone layer is still on track to recover by later this century.
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