The ozone layer is on a healing track: The first reduction in the level of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) — the greenhouse gasses responsible for the ozone layer hole — in the atmosphere has been recorded, The National writes, citing a new study published in Nature Climate Change. This decrease reflects the effectiveness of the 1987 Montreal Protocol which targeted the control of ozone-depleting substances.

HCFCs are slowly declining: Despite the global ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) since 2010, HCFCs are still being phased out with a complete phase-out pegged for 2040, study lead Luke Western told The National. Instead, they are being replaced by non-ozone-depleting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other compounds, he added.

Policy reform is key: The ozone hole is predicted to recover in about 40 years, proving that environmental policies work, Western said. “Without the Montreal Protocol, this success would not have been possible, so it’s a resounding endorsement of multilateral commitments to combat stratospheric ozone depletion, with additional benefits in tackling human-induced climate change. It shows the success of international cooperation and the importance of it in tackling environmental issues.”

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