The Earth’s protective ozone layer is on track to be completely healed by 2066, the United Nations says

The Earth’s protective ozone layer is on track to be completely healed by 2066, the United Nations says. 

A new assessment finds that the 1987 international agreement to stop the use of harmful chemicals that were damaging the layer has been successful.

The UN says the ozone, which protects Earth from harmful radiation linked to skin cancer and crop damage, has been steadily improving due to the 1987 Montreal Protocol.

The agreement has helped eliminate 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

The ozone layer began depleting in the 1970s and a hole in the layer was discovered by scientists in 1985.

The Montreal Protocol was signed just two years later by 46 countries and later became the first UN treaty to achieve universal ratification.

World Meteorological Organization sec-gen Petteri Taalas says ozone action sets a precedent for climate action.

“Our success in phasing out ozone-eating chemicals shows us what can and must be done to transition away from fossil fuels and limit temperature increase.”