Final answer:
The ozone layer is an essential part of the Earth's atmosphere that blocks UV-B radiation, protecting life from harmful effects. The depletion of the ozone layer, notably the ozone hole over Antarctica, was primarily caused by CFCs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ozone Layer
The ozone layer, or ozonosphere, is a critical component of the Earth's upper atmosphere, particularly within the stratosphere. This layer contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) molecules, which serve the vital function of absorbing much of the sun's ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays. Without this protective barrier, life on Earth would be exposed to harmful radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer and genetic damage among living organisms.
Discovered in the 1980s, a concerning depletion of ozone was found above Antarctica, infamously named the 'ozone hole'. This depletion, largely occurring in the spring over the southern hemisphere, was linked to human-produced chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used as refrigerants and in other common consumer products. While this initially led to widespread worry about environmental and health catastrophes, international cooperative efforts have since phased out the use of CFCs. Consequently, the depletion of the ozone layer has halted, and the ozone hole is expected to recover gradually.
Ozone depletion was once widely disputed, with figures from industries like aerosols and halocarbons dismissing it as 'science fiction'. However, these claims have been refuted by scientific evidence, and the international community has responded with regulations that have seen positive outcomes for the ozone layer and our planet's health.