Ozone-Depleting Chemicals Threaten Global Climate, Urgent Action Needed
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and chlorinated hydrocarbons harm the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. The article reviews: 1) How the ozone layer forms and key chemical reactions, 2) How CFCs and chlorinated hydrocarbons deplete the ozone layer, 3) Trends in ozone levels and the Antarctic ozone hole, 4) Phasing out CFCs and chlorinated hydrocarbons, and 5) Technologies to address the phase-out.