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Deutsch: Ozonloch / Español: Agujero de ozono / Português: Buraco de ozono / Français: Trou dans la couche d'ozone / Italiano: Buco dell'ozono /

An ozone hole is a hole or gap in the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere

An "ozone hole" is a region of the Earth's atmosphere where there is a significant depletion of the ozone layer, which is a layer in the Earth's atmosphere that protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The ozone hole is most commonly associated with the region over Antarctica, although ozone depletion can also occur over other parts of the world.

The ozone hole is caused by the release of certain types of pollutants, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), into the atmosphere. These pollutants react with the ozone in the atmosphere, breaking it down and reducing the amount of ozone present. The depletion of the ozone layer can have significant impacts on the environment and human health, including increased UV radiation exposure, which can lead to skin cancer and other health problems.

Here are a few examples of how "ozone hole" might be used in the context of the environment:

• Environmental impacts: The ozone hole can have a variety of environmental impacts, including increased UV radiation exposure, which can harm plants, animals, and aquatic ecosystems. The depletion of the ozone layer can also have impacts on climate, as ozone absorbs a portion of the sun's energy, and the loss of ozone can lead to a warming of the Earth's surface.

• Human health: The ozone hole can have negative impacts on human health, as increased UV radiation exposure can lead to skin cancer and other health problems. The ozone hole can also affect the immune system and the respiratory system, and it can weaken the body's ability to fight off infections.

• International agreements: The ozone hole has been a focus of international efforts to protect the environment and human health. The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty signed in 1987, aims to protect the ozone layer by regulating the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. The treaty has been successful in reducing the production and release of these substances, and it has contributed to the recovery of the ozone layer.