The Science of Our Changing Climate

Temperature rises in the stratosphere due to the absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation by ozone. The ozone layer performs the vital role of protecting all terrestrial life from the damaging effects of UV radiation. In fact, terrestrial life could not appear until there was sufficient ozone to provide this protective shield. We will start by looking at the photochemical reactions which form the ozone layer, plus some catalytic reactions which reduce the amount of ozone. We will then briefly look at the major biological impacts of the UV radiation which the ozone layer largely, though not completely, filters out. The Ozone Hole will be discussed in the last two sections. The first will examine just what is the cause of the hole, and why it is largely confined to Antarctica. Finally, we look at the Montreal Protocol that has saved it, and us (fingers crossed).