The importance and destruction of the Ozone Layer

Diya Jafari
Nov 5
5 min read

Introduction

The ozone layer plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. It acts as a protective shield for humans, animals, and plants by blocking the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Although the ozone layer occurs naturally, it has been undergoing depletion in recent years due to the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere. This deterioration poses serious risks to all living organisms, as increased UV exposure can lead to health and environmental damage. Fortunately, global efforts and protective measures have been implemented to preserve and restore the ozone layer, helping to ensure the safety of life on our planet.

The Earth’s layers

The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of several different layers. The lowest layer that human activity occurs in is known as the troposphere. It extends from the Earth’s surface about 10 kilometers upwards. To give reference for size, Mount Everest only goes about 5 kilometers upwards. The stratosphere sits above the troposphere. The ozone layer lies directly above the troposphere and within the stratosphere. (Fahey, McFarland, Montzka, Nash, 2025) ⁽¹⁾

The role of the Ozone

The Earth’s ozone layer protects Earth’s life from the harmful radiation caused by the sun. ozone is a molecule made up of 3 oxygen atoms. it absorbs a portion of the radiation, preventing it from reaching the planet’s surface. It absorbs the portion of UV light called UVB. UVB is a band of ultraviolet radiation and is a significant contributor to melanoma and other threatening skin cancers. (Fahey, McFarland, Montzka, Nash, 2025)⁽²⁾ . Aside from humans, it is also known to negatively affect materials, crops and some marine organisms. Therefore, the ozone layer blocking these harmful rays is extremely important. At any given time, ozone levels may slightly vary however, they have remained fairly constant through the decades in which they have been measured.

The depletion of the Ozone

However, since the 1970s, scientists have found that the ozone layer has been depleting in an unusual way. Naturally, ozone can be destroyed quicker than it can be replaced. When an ozone molecule comes into contact with a singular chlorine or bromine atom, it can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules. (Fahey, McFarland, Montzka, Nash, 2025) ⁽³⁾. Substances which contribute to the depletion of the ozone are known as ODS (ozone-depleting substances). Some ODS that include chlorine are CFCs, HFCs, methyl chloroform etc. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are gases used in different appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioning, packaging, insulation etc. CFCs drift up to the upper atmosphere, and if given suitable conditions, they will break down the ozone. CFCs are also considered a greenhouse gas, which contributes to global warming. HFCs are compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine and chlorine atoms. HCFs are known to be less depleting and detrimental than CFCs and are replacing them as a temporary solution. However, they are still considered greenhouse gases meaning that they do make a contribution towards climate and global warming. Methyl chloroform is a compound containing carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. ((U.S. Environmental protection agency 2025)) ⁽⁴⁾. (BYJU’S, 2025) ⁽⁵^{) .}. This is used as an industrial solvent and has an ozone depletion of 0.11. The standard is currently 0.070.

The effects of the Ozone’s depletion

What happens when the ozone depletes? If the ozone layer depletes, it leads to a plethora of issues. Humans will be directly affected by the harmful ultraviolet radiation created by the sun’s rays. Consequences include serious health issues for humans such as skin diseases, cancers, sunburns, quickened aging and a weakened immune system. Animals would also be affected by these harmful impacts, as the intense UV rays could hinder plant growth, leading to reduced flowering and lower rates of photosynthesis. (BYJU’S, 2025) ⁽⁶⁾.Marine life would also bear a large impact. Planktons would be greatly affected by the exposure to harmful UV rays. Because plankton are higher in the aquatic food chain, organisms such as fish and larger predators would be affected. (BYJU’S, 2025) ⁽⁷⁾.This would cause millions across the world to become ill and potentially starve due to the lack of food sources.

The Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol is an environmental agreement with the intent of regulating the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals which are referred to as ODS. Embraced, on September 16, 1987, it is one of the rare treaties to gain universal agreement. The aim of the protocol is to decrease the overall production and consumption of ODS in order to preserve and restore the ozone layer. It states that countries tasked with responsibilities are meant to gradually eliminate the different groups of ODS. CFCs and HCFs fall under this protocol and all countries are tasked with different yet equal responsibilities whether developed or developing. (United Nations Environment Programme, 2025) ⁽⁸⁾

Ways to protect the Ozone

There are a multitude of ways to help decrease the depletion of the ozone layers. One way is to reduce the use of vehicles. Vehicles emit large amounts of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (which is an ODS) that contribute to the destruction of the ozone. (BJYU’S 2025) ⁽⁹⁾. The less vehicles are used, the less emissions will be released. Another way is to use Eco friendly cleaning products. Most cleaning products contain either chlorine and bromine. As explained previously, these are extremely powerful ODS. Therefore these should be substituted with natural products in order to protect the environment. (BJYU’S, 2025) ⁽¹⁰⁾. A third way involves a larger scale plan. The government should regulate the use of harmful nitrous oxides that are damaging the ozone layer. In 2024, the world’s leading cause of ozone depletion was nitrous oxides. While previously it was CFCs, the Montreal protocol has drastically reduced the amount of emissions released.

Conclusion

Overall, the destruction of the ozone layer presents a significant threat to all forms of life on Earth. Without its protective shield, our planet would face numerous environmental and health challenges. Human activities and the release of harmful substances continue to accelerate its deterioration, putting ecosystems at risk. However, global initiatives and cooperative efforts have been introduced to protect and restore the ozone layer, offering hope for a safer and more sustainable planet.

Citations

Fahey W David , McFarland Mack, Montzka A Stephen, and Nash R Eric . Basic Ozone Layer Science. EPA. March 5, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/basic-ozone-layer-science