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Antarctic Ozone Layer on the Increase, MIT-Led Study Claims
An MIT report confirms that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing, all courtesy of an international decrease in ozone-depleting substances. Conducted and released in Nature, the study presents robust statistical evidence that humanity's contribution, through banning chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), lies behind the healing.

Scientific Evidence of Recovery
Earlier research had revealed ozone recovery, but with questions on the level at which human activities contributed towards strengthening it. The new study, conducted by MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), confirms to 95 percent certainty that the recovery is not due to natural weather cycles or rising greenhouse gases, but to the phase-down of ozone-depleting substances.

Using a technique of climate research referred to as "fingerprinting," the study isolated the individual contribution of CFC decline to ozone. First used to find human fingerprints on climate change, the method allowed scientists to determine if atmospheric variation was induced by human activity or natural variation.

Ozone Depletion and Global Response
Earth's ozone is a protective layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. A seasonable Antarctic ozone hole in 1985 was discovered to be connected with increased UV exposure and to be dangerous in terms of skin cancer to the human population.

Scientists, in 1986, created the reality that CFCs, used greatly in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays, were also destroying ozone molecules in the atmosphere. It was this discovery that led to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, an international agreement to phase out the production of ozone-depleting chemicals.

Since the treaty, global actions have reduced levels of CFCs significantly. In 2016, an MIT study found the first signs of healing in the ozone layer, though it was not feasible to ascertain how much of this was due to declining CFCs versus other variables like weather patterns.

New Study Confirms Human Efforts Are Paying Off
The new research employed atmospheric models to run scenarios, one where greenhouse gases increased but ozone-depleting substances remained unchanged. The scientists contrasted modeled trends with real-world satellite observations since 2005.

The findings were able to deliver the decisive consensus of the trend of recovery predicted on the basis of moderated CFCs with actual enhancement of the ozone layer. During 2018, evidence was sufficient to establish the assumption that recoveries primarily happened because of anthropogenic control of ozone-depleting substances.

Future Outlook
If the trend continues, scientists feel that the Antarctic ozone hole is likely to completely recover by 2035. Although some reduction in ozone is going to be felt from time to time in the coming years, the future has a good look otherwise.

The study reveals that global concerns can be addressed successfully by international efforts and environmental policy. With concerted efforts being maintained, complete rehabilitation of the ozone layer is possible.