Scientists said the recovery was largely due to global action that included a 1987 ban on man-made gases. For the first time in 35 years, scientists were able to confirm a statistically significant and sustained increase in stratospheric ozone, which provides a shield from solar radiation that causes skin cancer, crop damage and other problems.

The ozone hole over Antarctica has also stopped growing bigger every year, although it will be about a decade before it begins to shrink, said the report produced by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the UN Environment Programme.

“International action on the ozone layer is a major environmental success story … This should encourage us to display the same level of urgency and unity to tackle the even greater challenge of tackling climate change,” said Michel Jarraud, secretary-general of the WMO.

Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/ozone/11088650/Ozone-layer-shows-first-signs-of-recovery-since-ban-on-damaging-gases.html