Final answer:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the greenhouse gases that also contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer, affecting both the climate and increasing harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greenhouse gas responsible for destroying the ozone layer is chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are compounds consisting of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. While they trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect, their more destructive impact has been on the ozone layer.
The ozone layer, high up in the stratosphere, is critical for protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. CFCs, when released into the atmosphere, are carried up to the stratosphere where UV radiation breaks them apart, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then react with ozone (O3) molecules, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer. This process has created an ozone hole over Antarctica and has led to increased UV radiation reaching Earth's surface, with harmful effects on human health and ecosystems.