ozone depletion
Atmospheric shield erosion
Ozone depletion is the thinning of Earth's protective ozone layer, caused primarily by human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation; its depletion increases risks of skin cancer and environmental damage.
The term gained prominence with discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in the 1980s, leading to international bans on ozone-depleting substances.
Ozone-depleting synthetic compounds
- CFCsOzone-depleting compounds, abbreviated
- halonsBromine-based fire suppressants
- FreonTrademarked cooling compound
- refrigerantsHeat-absorbing cooling agents
propellants · solvents · hydrochlorofluorocarbons · aerosols · carbon tetrachloride · industrial emissions
Second atmospheric layer up
- troposphereLowest atmospheric layer
- polar vortexPersistent circulating cold air mass
- AntarcticSouthern polar region
- ArcticEarth's northernmost zone
Invisible high-energy light waves
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- skin cancerMalignancy of the dermis
- melanomaAggressive pigment-cell cancer
- sunburnUV-induced skin inflammation
cataracts · immunosuppression · DNA damage · photoaging · sunscreen · SPF · premature aging · photodermatitis
Photosynthetic aquatic drifters
- coral bleachingStress-induced reef discoloration
- marine ecosystemsSaltwater biological communities
- crop damageHarm to cultivated plants
- zooplanktonDrifting aquatic microorganisms
Gradual discontinuation process
- international cooperationCountries jointly addressing challenges
- UNEPEnvironmental arm of international body
- emissions standardsLegal limits on pollutants released
- developing nationsCountries with lower economic output
chlorofluorocarbons
Ozone-depleting synthetic compounds
- CFCsOzone-depleting compounds, abbreviated
- halonsBromine-based fire suppressants
- FreonTrademarked cooling compound
refrigerants · propellants · solvents · hydrochlorofluorocarbons · aerosols · carbon tetrachloride · industrial emissions
stratosphere
Second atmospheric layer up
- troposphereLowest atmospheric layer
- polar vortexPersistent circulating cold air mass
- AntarcticSouthern polar region
UV radiation
Invisible high-energy light waves
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- skin cancerMalignancy of the dermis
- melanomaAggressive pigment-cell cancer
sunburn · cataracts · immunosuppression · DNA damage · photoaging · sunscreen · SPF · premature aging · photodermatitis · protective clothing
phytoplankton
Photosynthetic aquatic drifters
- coral bleachingStress-induced reef discoloration
- marine ecosystemsSaltwater biological communities
- crop damageHarm to cultivated plants
zooplankton · plant growth · forest damage · biodiversity loss · algae
phase-out
Gradual discontinuation process
- international cooperationCountries jointly addressing challenges
- UNEPEnvironmental arm of international body
- emissions standardsLegal limits on pollutants released
- Climate Changeglobal warming, greenhouse gases, climate change, carbon dioxide, CO2
- environmental harmair pollution, water pollution, pollution, oil spills, acid rain
- Environmental problemsair pollution, water pollution, climate change, global warming, habitat loss
- pollutionair pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, smog, toxic waste
- catastrophesdisasters, disaster, natural disasters, catastrophe, apocalypse
- Eco-crisesclimate change, global warming, oil spill, deforestation, biodiversity loss