Introduction:

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Ozone, comprised of three oxygen molecules, primarily exists in the upper atmosphere known as the stratosphere, situated between 10 and 50 kilometers above Earth's surface. Existing in minimal concentrations, even at its densest points, ozone comprises only a few molecules per million air molecules.

Significance of Ozone:

The ozone layer serves as a crucial shield safeguarding life on Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. By neutralizing this threat, ozone molecules play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of skin cancer and other health issues in both plants and animals.

Body:

It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content

Observations made during Antarctic expeditions in the early 1980s revealed a significant decline in ozone concentration during September-November compared to 1950s records, culminating in the discovery of the "ozone hole" over Antarctica in 1985.

Causes:

The depletion of the ozone layer, particularly pronounced over Antarctica during September-November, arises from a complex interplay of meteorological and chemical factors. The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, hailed as the only universally embraced treaty in United Nations history, initiated the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons. By 2005, signatory nations had drastically reduced ODS consumption by 90-95%.

The Montreal Protocol regulates 96 chemicals, including CFCs, Halons, Carbon tetrachloride, Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and others. These substances, characterized by their longevity and non-toxic properties, persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, exacerbating ozone depletion.

Conclusion:

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In addition to preserving the ozone layer, the elimination of ozone-depleting substances yields significant climate change benefits. Many of these substances, categorized as potent greenhouse gases, surpass carbon dioxide in terms of warming potential, underscoring the multifaceted environmental advantages of Montreal Protocol compliance

Other Points to Consider

Kigali Agreement

India’s effort