The ozone layer is a region of the stratosphere that protects life on Earth by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is located 10-30 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Ozone depletion from human-created ozone-depleting substances like CFCs has caused thinning of the layer and formation of ozone holes. The Montreal Protocol agreement phased out production of these substances, allowing the ozone layer to begin recovering. Continued adherence to the protocol is needed to fully repair it.

1. Ozone Layer
By: Karina Cortez

2. What is the ozone layer?
• A region of the stratosphere on Earth called the ozone
layer has a relatively high concentration of ozone (O3)
molecules. A major percentage of the sun's harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation is absorbed and blocked by
the ozone molecule, which is made up of three oxygen
atoms. Ozone is essential for protecting life on Earth.
The majority of the sun's dangerous UV rays are
blocked from reaching the Earth's surface by this layer,
which serves as a shield.

3. Where is the
Ozone Layer?
• The ozone layer is located at the stratosphere,
which is around 10 to 30 kilometers (6 to 19 miles)
above the surface of the planet. The thickness and
concentration of this layer, which is present all
throughout the world, can change based on variables
like latitude and altitude. The polar areas have seen
the most ozone depletion, or the major drop of
ozone in this layer, which has caused ozone holes to
appear, especially over Antarctica.
•

4. Why is it important?
• For life to exist on Earth, the ozone layer's
protective function is essential. It protects
living things against ultraviolet (UV)
radiation's negative effects, especially the
UV-B and UV-C rays, which are the most
destructive. These rays can harm ecosystems
and alter food chains in addition to causing a
number of health problems like skin cancer,
cataracts, and sunburn. Significant threats to
both human health and the environment can
result from ozone depletion, which can
increase the quantity of UV radiation that
reaches the surface.

5. Ozone Depletion
• A problem or an issue with the ozone layer is ozone
depleting substances (ODS), which are compounds created
by humans, are one of the main concerns with the ozone
layer. In the past, ODS like carbon tetrachloride, halons,
and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were frequently utilized in
items like foam-blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and
refrigerants. These compounds break down ozone
molecules when released into the atmosphere, which
contributes to the thinning of the ozone layer and the
development of ozone holes.
•

6. Solutions for Ozone Depletion!
• International cooperation has played a significant
role in the success of the solutions to the ozone
depletion problem. The Montreal Protocol, a
global agreement to gradually phase down the
manufacturing and use of ODS, was the most
important action taken in 1987. This agreement
has greatly reduced ODS production, which has
caused the ozone layer to gradually recover.
Maintaining and further repairing the ozone layer
still depends on continued adherence to the
Montreal Protocol as well as monitoring and
enforcement efforts. By limiting the use of ODS
and encouraging alternatives with a lower
environmental impact, public awareness and
education about the need of ozone protection also
play a critical role in reducing ozone depletion.

8. Ozone Layer
• All in all, the ozone layer is vital to keep life
on Earth healthy and living as it protects us
from the sun's harmful rays, so it is
important to take measures to keep the
ozone healthy as well. It will require
cooperation from all of us to reduce the
ozone hole. Urge your friends to purchase
locally, cut back on meat consumption,
drive less, and dispose of outdated fire
extinguishers and cooling appliances that
contain ozone-depleting materials safely.