Ozone Layer
Monitoring the recovery of Earth's ozone layer
Antarctic Ozone Hole
2000
CFC Levels by Hemisphere
Atmospheric concentration in parts per trillion, 1979-2019.
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What It Shows
The slider shows yearly Antarctic ozone images from 1979-2019. The line chart tracks several CFC gases in the northern and southern hemispheres over the same period.
Why It Matters
The ozone layer shields life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ozone loss increases risks to human health, crops, marine food chains, and ecosystems.
What Can Help
The Montreal Protocol shows that coordinated policy can work. Continued monitoring, proper refrigerant disposal, and avoiding ozone-depleting substitutes help protect recovery.