ozone shield
Ultraviolet radiation blocker
The ozone shield is the layer of ozone in Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation, protecting life on the surface.
The term emphasizes ozone's protective function: The ozone shield blocks harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer.
Scientists discovered in the 1980s that chlorofluorocarbons were depleting this shield, leading to international bans on such chemicals.
Second atmospheric layer up
- troposphereLowest atmospheric layer
- atmosphereGaseous layer around planets
- polar vortexPersistent circulating cold air mass
- upper atmosphereAir layer farthest up
Malignancy of the dermis
- melanomaAggressive pigment-cell cancer
- cataractsSteep falls or eye opacity
- sunscreenUV-blocking skin cream
- UV indexSolar intensity measurement
sun protection · dermatology · immune suppression · sunburn · photoaging · SPF · UV exposure · radiation damage
Ozone-depleting synthetic compounds
- CFCsOzone-depleting compounds, abbreviated
- halonsBromine-based fire suppressants
- halocarbonsCarbon compounds containing halogens
- ultraviolet radiationLight beyond visible violet
UVB · UVC · solar radiation · photolysis · free radicals · bromine · chemical reactions
Rising planetary temperatures
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
- methaneSimplest alkane fuel
sea level rise · ice melt · deforestation · emissions · fossil fuels · carbon footprint · renewable energy · feedback loops
Multinational emissions reduction treaty
- Paris AgreementGlobal warming limitation accord
- environmental policyRules managing human-nature interaction
- climate policyLaws governing atmospheric protection
- international cooperationCountries jointly addressing challenges
phase-out · EPA · UNEP · sustainability · environmental treaties
stratosphere
Second atmospheric layer up
- troposphereLowest atmospheric layer
- atmosphereGaseous layer around planets
- polar vortexPersistent circulating cold air mass
upper atmosphere · mesosphere · air column · atmospheric pressure
skin cancer
Malignancy of the dermis
- melanomaAggressive pigment-cell cancer
- cataractsSteep falls or eye opacity
- sunscreenUV-blocking skin cream
UV index · sun protection · dermatology · immune suppression · sunburn · photoaging · SPF · UV exposure · radiation damage · preventative measures
chlorofluorocarbons
Ozone-depleting synthetic compounds
- CFCsOzone-depleting compounds, abbreviated
- halonsBromine-based fire suppressants
- halocarbonsCarbon compounds containing halogens
ultraviolet radiation · UVB · UVC · solar radiation · photolysis · free radicals · bromine · chemical reactions
global warming
Rising planetary temperatures
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
methane · sea level rise · ice melt · deforestation · emissions · fossil fuels · carbon footprint · renewable energy · feedback loops
Kyoto Protocol
Multinational emissions reduction treaty
- Paris AgreementGlobal warming limitation accord
- environmental policyRules managing human-nature interaction
- climate policyLaws governing atmospheric protection
international cooperation · phase-out · EPA · UNEP · sustainability · environmental treaties
ozone shieldozone hole
Thinned protective layer
ozone depletion · UV radiation · ultraviolet exposure · solar radiation · radiation exposure
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