Explain the concept of ozone depletion.

Explain the concept of ozone depletion.

Ozone depletion refers to the gradual thinning or reduction of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere. The ozone layer is a protective layer of ozone gas that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. However, certain human-made chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have been released into the atmosphere, which can break down ozone molecules. This leads to a decrease in the concentration of ozone in the ozone layer, resulting in ozone depletion. Ozone depletion has significant environmental consequences, including increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can harm human health, damage ecosystems, and negatively impact agricultural productivity.