Planetary Boundaries

Stratospheric ozone layer

The ozone layer in the atmosphere filters out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In the 1980s increased concentration of ozone-depleting chemical substances resulted in a thinning of this protective layer, called the Antarctic ozone “hole”. Fortunately, because of the actions taken as a result of the Montreal Protocol, we appear to be on a path that will allow us to stay within this boundary.