Stratospheric Ozone

Stratospheric ozone is a layer of ozone molecules located in the Earth's stratosphere, about 10 to 30 miles above the surface. It acts as a protective shield by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. This protection helps safeguard human health, ecosystems, and the environment. Ozone in this region is different from ground-level ozone, which can be a harmful air pollutant. Maintaining the ozone layer is crucial for life on Earth, and human activities like releasing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have caused thinning, leading to concerns about increased UV exposure.