Report
Antarctic Ozone Hole Reaches One of Largest Sizes in Recent Decades
The 2026 Antarctic ozone hole has grown to one of its largest extents in recent years, peaking around 23–27 million km², linked to a strong cold polar vortex and polar stratospheric clouds.
TLDR
Annual ozone hole variability—driven by meteorological conditions like polar vortex strength—provides important data for monitoring recovery under the Montreal Protocol. While long-term recovery trends remain positive, year-to-year anomalies underscore the ongoing sensitivity of the polar stratosphere and the need for continued vigilance in environmental protection.
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