Uploaded April 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
The ozone layer is a region in the Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation and it contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere.
In the 1970s and 80s scientists discovered that the ozone layer was thinning. The cause was found to be the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other man-made chemicals into the atmosphere.
A thinning Ozone layer meant more UV radiation was able to reach the Earth's surface which can cause harmful effects such as increased rates of skin cancer and cataracts.
In response to this discovery, the international community came together in 1987 to sign an agreement to phase-out CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
This has led to a slowing of the rate of ozone depletion and the eventual healing of the ozone layer is projected to occur over the next several decades.
The ozone layer is a region in the Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation and it contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere.
In the 1970s and 80s scientists discovered that the ozone layer was thinning. The cause was found to be the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other man-made chemicals into the atmosphere.
A thinning Ozone layer meant more UV radiation was able to reach the Earth's surface which can cause harmful effects such as increased rates of skin cancer and cataracts.
In response to this discovery, the international community came together in 1987 to sign an agreement to phase-out CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
This has led to a slowing of the rate of ozone depletion and the eventual healing of the ozone layer is projected to occur over the next several decades.
