Paper Contents
Abstract
Ozone depletion in the stratosphere represents a critical environmental challenge with far-reaching implications for ecosystems, human health, and global climate systems. Since the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in the mid-1980s, extensive research has established that anthropogenic emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and other halogenated compounds, are the primary drivers of stratospheric ozone loss. The depletion of stratospheric ozone results in elevated ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation at the Earths surface, which has been linked to increased incidences of skin cancers, cataracts, and immune suppression in humans, as well as disruptions in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including reduced crop productivity, phytoplankton mortality, and altered food web dynamics. This review synthesizes the historical development of ozone science, including the discovery of ozone, advances in monitoring techniques, and elucidation of chemical and physical mechanisms of ozone destruction. It also examines the role of international policy interventions, particularly the Montreal Protocol and its amendments, in regulating ODS emissions and promoting global ozone recovery. Furthermore, the review highlights the interactions between ozone recovery, climate change, and anthropogenic activities, emphasizing the ongoing need for integrated environmental governance, rigorous monitoring, and adaptive strategies to ensure long-term protection of stratospheric ozone and the resilience of ecosystems and human health.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 kosala kulathunga. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
