Research
NASA reveals Earth's ozone hole has grown to a size not seen in a decade
The Brief
- The Antarctic ozone hole grew to the seventh-largest size on record in 2026.
- Unusual weather conditions pushed the hole close to its historic maximum.
- Scientists say international restrictions on ozone-destroying chemicals prevented even greater damage.
Why it matters
The ozone hole's size is driven partly by weather, not only by chemical emissions, which matters for interpreting year-to-year ozone measurements. The source also indicates that existing chemical restrictions limited the damage.
Who’s affected
- atmospheric scientists
- climate and environmental researchers
- #ozone hole
- #antarctica
- #atmospheric science
- #nasa
- #ozone depletion
The Antarctic ozone hole expanded to its seventh-largest size on record in 2026, driven by unusual weather conditions that pushed it close to its historic maximum. Scientists say international restrictions on ozone-destroying chemicals prevented even greater damage, and Earth's…
Timeline
NASA reports the Antarctic ozone hole has grown to a size not seen in a decade
Earth & Climate News -- ScienceDaily
NASA reveals Earth's ozone hole has grown to a size not seen in a decade