What is the ozone layer and what is its purpose?
The atmosphere is made up of various layers such as the troposphere and the stratosphere. Ozone gas is found in the stratosphere. Ozone is formed when rays from the sun react with oxygen in the atmosphere.
This ozone gas also forms a layer around the Earth’s atmosphere known as the ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the Earth from the harmful rays of the sun. These harmful rays can cause various types of diseases in humans. They also harm plants and animals.
What went wrong with the ozone layer?
In the 1980s, scientists found an area of the ozone layer where ozone was reducing. This is known as the ozone hole. Scientists found that this hole was created due to man-made pollutants containing harmful chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These chemicals are produced by refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. Scientists found that ozone reacted with CFCs. This reduced the ozone in the stratosphere.
Did we work on fixing the ozone layer and were we successful?
Yes. Agreements were signed between a large number of countries to focus on reducing the use of CFC-free appliances. Since then, studies have shown that the size of the ozone hole has reduced. If humans continue to reduce their use of CFCs, the ozone layer is expected to fix itself by 2065.
