The ozone layer is healing and the Antarctic ozone hole in 2024 was smaller than in previous years, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The depth of 2024 Antarctic ozone hole — which appears over the Antarctic every spring — was below the 1990-2020 average, with a maximum ozone mass deficit of 46.1 million tons on September 29. Its onset was relatively slow, and delayed ozone depletion was observed through the month of September, followed by a relatively rapid recovery after the maximum deficit was reached. “This persistent later onset has been identified as a robust indication of initial recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole,” WMO experts said in a statement. “WMO’s scientific research into the ozone layer dates back decades,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.