Is There a Hole in the Ozone Layer?

The ozone layer, a thin shield of gas that surrounds our planet, has long been our protector against the sun’s most harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without it, life as we know it would face significant challenges. But, for decades, this crucial layer of our atmosphere faced threats from human activities that thinned it, creating what we now know as the ozone hole. 

Presently, there is hope for ozone layer healing. But, it’s a deeply influenced by past and current human activity. Let’s dive into where the ozone layer stands today, what the ozone hole looks like in 2024, and how human actions have shaped this journey.

What is the Ozone Layer?

The ozone layer is a region of the Earth’s stratosphere that contains high concentrations of ozone (O₃) molecules. Where is the ozone layer? It sits about nine to 18 miles above the Earth’s surface.