Ozone depletion

The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. In the 1970s scientists noticed a thinning layer of ozone over Antarctica. Human-produced chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were the primary cause of this ozone depletion.

Through an international effort, the production and use of CFCs has decreased, but the ozone layer may not recover for many years. This is just one example of how humans and pollution can have a significant effect on the Earth’s atmosphere.