<h5>How important is the ozone layer?</h5>  <p>The ozone layer is a part of the Earth’s stratosphere, the second layer of the planet’s atmosphere. The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, coming from the sun.</p>
<p>The ozone layer traps UV rays, which are harmful to humans and other living things. 
</p> <h5>What is affecting the ozone layer?</h5> <figure>
        <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/harmful-chemicals-in-the-ozone-layer-drop-by-50%2Fharmful-chemicals-in-the-ozone-layer-drop-by-50.jpg?alt=media&token=6fb944d1-5456-4958-96b8-d281fb797557" alt="What is affecting the ozone layer?" >
        <figcaption>Graphical representation of the ozone hole. </figcaption>
      </figure> <p>In the 1980s, scientists found a region of the ozone layer above Antarctica that had become thinner due to fewer ozone molecules. This was named the ozone hole. The ozone hole was created by man-made pollutants called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).</p>
<p>However, there is some good news. A recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study has found that chemicals that harm the ozone layer have decreased.
</p> <h5>What does the new research by NOAA say?</h5>  <p>According to the NOAA study, chemicals that harm the ozone layer have decreased by just over 50% in the stratosphere. Concentrations above Antarctica have fallen as well. NOAA has predicted that the ozone layer over Antarctica will recover around the year 2070.</p>
<p>This success is due to international laws formed to protect the ozone layer. But, more needs to be done. 
</p> <h5>What important treaty was signed to protect the ozone layer from depleting?</h5>  <p>On 16th September 1987, the “Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer” was signed. This treaty was signed to limit the production and use of man-made chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS).</p>
<p>As a result of the Montreal Protocol, the ozone layer is expected to recover by the middle of this century.
</p> <h5>What can be said about the reduction of harmful chemicals in the ozone layer?</h5>  <p>This reduction shows that when countries work together, wonderful things can be achieved. The signing of the Montreal Protocol shows that international cooperation is possible and is important for our planet’s survival.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on this? What more can be done to prevent the ozone layer from depleting?
</p>

The ozone layer stops harmful UV rays. Man-made pollutants have damaged it. Recently, it has been found that harmful chemicals in the ozone layer have declined. Let’s read to find out more.

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