The Know Daily - Thursday 9 Otober 2025

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In Somerset, conservationists are resurrecting folklore. The Somerset Eel Recovery Project uses songs, river blessings and straw ropes to reconnect people to the European eel and the land. The aim is to bring back awareness for a creature once woven into local myth – and ensure that the eel’s tale isn’t lost to time 🐟

🌏 A hole lot better: ozone’s comeback

Antarctica’s ozone hole shrank more in 2024 than it has in years, in a hopeful sign that global cooperation is paying off.

What is the ozone hole?
High above us floats the ozone layer – think of it like a protective blanket in the sky that keeps most of the Sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching us. By doing this, it helps to reduce UV-related skin cancer in humans and DNA damage to wildlife and plants.

The ozone hole is the part of this layer over Antarctica that thins out each year through to spring. It happens because certain man-made chemicals – the kind you used to find in fridges, aerosols and old air conditioners – react with cold air high above the South Pole and wear away the ozone.

What’s happening to it now?
The World Meteorological Organization’s latest report states that the ozone hole in 2024 was smaller and weaker than in recent years. At its peak, 46.1 million tonnes of ozone was missing, which is below the 1990–2020 average and a sign of real progress.

The timing is symbolic, too. This year marks 40 years since the Vienna Convention, the landmark agreement that laid the groundwork for the Montreal Protocol of 1987 – arguably the most successful environmental treaty ever. Thanks to this, the production and consumption of over 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals have been phased out across the globe.

Why does it matter?
Scientists say the ozone layer is now steadily bouncing back and could return to its 1980 strength (before big damage set in) sometime between 2040 and 2060, depending on where you are. In most parts of the world, ozone levels have been quietly climbing by around 1–3% each decade since the early 2000s.

And there’s an extra perk: fixing the ozone layer could help cool the planet. By phasing out the worst chemicals, it’s estimated that the Montreal Protocol will prevent 0.5°C of extra global warming by the end of the century. That’s a pretty amazing double win.

What are the challenges ahead?
Despite the good news, scientists warn against complacency. The ozone hole varies year to year due to natural weather patterns, so one particularly “good” season doesn’t mean we can relax. Complete recovery over Antarctica isn’t expected for decades and even then, vigilance will be vital to keep it that way.

There’s also the issue of replacement chemicals like hydrofluorocarbons. While they don’t destroy ozone, they’re still potent greenhouse gases. The Kigali Amendment is working to phase them out, though that process is still underway. With global efforts continuing, the outlook for the planet is getting brighter.

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⚽ Level the playing field: Sky is calling for national action to close the gender gap in sport, saying it has bigger impacts through life.

• The bigger story: Backed by new research, Sky found a link between girls playing sport after school and a 50% greater likelihood of reaching senior roles at work. Plus, they say this could unlock a £6.5 billion boost to the UK economy by 2035. The broadcaster is urging the government to invest in the sector by pushing for tax relief on women’s sports production, having better coverage of female athletes and more games on TV to inspire the next generation.

🕊️ Peace plan: Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

💰 Very-precious metal: The price of gold has risen above $4,000 (£2,980) per ounce for the first time, with no let up in sight.

🌭 Sausage certification: The European Parliament has decided that names such as hamburger and sausage can only be used for meat products and not for plant-based foods. 

👩‍🔬 Trailblazing test: Scientists say they have developed the world’s first blood test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome.

🏙️ Dizzying heights: A "jewel-like” skyscraper has been approved for construction in London’s Square Mile.

🗽 Welcome to New York: Have you ever wondered if you could be an NYC native? Here’s a test to see if you can pass as a true New Yorker.

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Trivia answer: B) Air Canada has announced that economy passengers on all flights will be served complimentary beer, wine and snacks starting this autumn.

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