The ozone hole above the Antarctic has recently begun its annually occurring expansion. As per the estimates of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), it would grow significantly over the next few days.

The first patch of low ozone concentration was detected near South America. Within a few days, this had spread over much of Argentina. In fact, ground-based measurements of ozone in Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, indicate a 20 per cent reduction compared to levels measured between 1964-76. According to WMO, this indicates that measures to reduce ozone-depleting substances are not adequate. These substances include chloroflurocarbons (cfcs), which are commonly used in air-conditioners and refrigerators.