Unusually warm stratospheric weather helped out in 2025. A weaker polar vortex meant fewer icy clouds formed, the kind that trigger ozone-destroying chemicals.
NOAA's Laura Ciasto pointed out the weaker polar vortex and above-average temperatures, while scientists said that without bans on harmful chemicals (thanks to the Montreal Protocol), things could have been much worse.

The global agreement from 1987, which phased out CFCs and other ozone-eaters, has cut dangerous chemical levels by one-third since their peak in 2000.
Experts like NOAA's Stephen Montzka and NASA's Paul Newman say these efforts are working, and if we keep it up, we're on track for full recovery of the ozone layer by 2066, helping protect us from UV rays and extra warming.