Ozone, despite being present in the atmosphere as only a trace gas, plays an incredibly important role in protecting us and other living things from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ozone is found in the stratosphere layer, where it forms a protective layer known as the ozone layer. This layer absorbs much of the sun's ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the surface of the Earth. Without the ozone layer, exposure to UV radiation would increase significantly, leading to increased risk of skin cancer and other health problems, as well as potentially damaging effects on crops and other plant life. By protecting us from these harmful effects, the ozone layer is a vital part of our planet's atmosphere and is deserving of our efforts to protect it.