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How does the ozone layer protect us?

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Quick answer

The ozone layer is a band of gas high in the atmosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. By blocking this UV light, it shields life on Earth from damage like skin cancer and harm to plants.

Step by step

  1. It's a layer of ozone gas high in the stratosphere.
  2. It absorbs most of the Sun's harmful UV radiation.
  3. This protects living things from UV damage.
  4. Human-made chemicals once thinned it, creating the 'ozone hole'.

People also ask

How does the ozone layer protect us?
It absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation before it reaches Earth's surface.
What caused the hole in the ozone layer?
Human-made chemicals called CFCs broke down ozone; banning them is helping the layer recover.
Is the ozone layer the same as the greenhouse effect?
No — the ozone layer blocks UV light, while the greenhouse effect traps heat; they're separate processes.