When discussing climate change, the ozone layer is often brought up as a critical component, but what does the ozone layer actually do? Essentially, the ozone layer is a protective barrier that protects our planet from the sun’s harmful rays. It is like nature’s sunscreen.
Earlier this month we shared a story about how the Montreal Protocol was a shining example of international collaboration that actually helped the Earth. This is because it saved our ozone.
In the 1980s, when a correlation was found between ozone layer depletion and Chlorofluorocarbons in aerosols, the Montreal Protocol was established to effectively ban the emission of these harmful components. And it worked. From 2005 to 2016 we have seen a 20% decrease in ozone depletion rates and scientists believe the ozone should largely recover by the middle of the 21st century.
To find out more about the ozone’s history and how it protects our planet, check out this video from NASA.
