Final answer:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contribute to the ozone hole because their breakdown releases chlorine atoms that deplete ozone in the stratosphere. The Montreal Protocol has been effective in reducing CFC production, aiding in the recovery of the ozone layer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are thought to be related to the ozone hole because they release atomic chlorine upon being broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the stratosphere. This atomic chlorine reacts with ozone (O3) molecules, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer serves as a crucial barrier that protects Earth from harmful UV radiation. With the recognition of the damaging effects of CFCs, international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol have been established to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Efforts to replace CFCs with alternatives like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have contributed to a gradual decrease in the size of the ozone hole as atmospheric levels of atomic chlorine have been reduced.