Science
Ozone depletion.
Definition
Ozone depletion is the thinning of Earth's stratospheric ozone layer caused primarily by human-made chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, so its depletion increases UV exposure at Earth's surface, raising risks of skin cancer and cataracts.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 The Antarctic ozone hole discovered in 1985 by British scientists
- 2 The Montreal Protocol (1987) banning CFCs to protect the ozone layer
- 3 Increased UV-B radiation harming phytoplankton in Southern Ocean waters
Key Fact
The Montreal Protocol (1987) is considered the most successful international environmental agreement.