Ozone layer could recover within four decades, UN-backed report finds

Imagery showing the hole in the ozone layer which is shrinking

(Picture: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

The ozone layer is set to recover within four decades because of a global phaseout of chemicals, a UN-backed report has found.

A scientific panel said the phaseout of nearly 99% of banned ozone-damaging substances has succeeded in safeguarding the layer.