The intensity and size of the Antarctic ozone hole have reached record levels in the past three years, with ozone concentrations during the austral spring now less than half of what they were just 25 years ago. Ozone levels over the North Pole have also been declining, exhibiting the lowest values ever measured in March, 1997. Significant ozone reductions continue globally, except in equatorial regions. In North America, spring ozone levels have declined by about six percent over the last 10 years. But good news came when worldwide measurements showed that concentrations of CFCs in the lower atmosphere peaked in early 1994 and have begun to decline.
Atmospheric scientists predict a bright long-range forecast for the ozone layer.
Although depletion will continue to worsen, stratospheric concentrations of CFCs and other chemicals are expected to start declining by 2000. The ozone layer is expected to slowly recover, returning to 1980s levels by the middle of the next century. Although great progress has been made, complete elimination of all ODSs still faces several obstacles. Illegal CFC production and trade, as well as economic challenges to convert billions of dollars of equipment in some countries experiencing economic problems, are slowing the process. The Montreal Protocol has proven that the world community can work together, developing incentives to solve problems on a global scale.