Frequently Asked Questions
How does the hole in the ozone layer affect global warming?
The hole in the ozone layer in the earth’s upper atmosphere (stratosphere) reduces the greenhouse effect because ozone is a greenhouse gas. However, ozone in the stratosphere filters out ultraviolet radiation from the sun that is harmful to life on earth.
Ozone in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) is created by chemical reactions between pollutants and sunlight. Ozone in the troposphere is dangerous to human health because it can cause lung damage and other cardiopulmonary problems when inhaled.
The ozone layer in the stratosphere is earth’s sunscreen and protects living things from too much ultraviolet radiation.
Substances that deplete ozone in the stratosphere are regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Ozone in the troposphere is regulated by the Clean Air Act.
Learn more: Information on the ozone layer from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Last reviewed: August 3, 2016
Other FAQs about Environment
- Does EIA have projections for energy production, consumption, and prices for individual states?
- How do I convert between short tons and metric tons?
- How does the hole in the ozone layer affect global warming?
- How much carbon dioxide is produced by burning gasoline and diesel fuel?
- How much carbon dioxide is produced per kilowatthour when generating electricity with fossil fuels?
- How much carbon dioxide is produced when different fuels are burned?
- Why do carbon dioxide emissions weigh more than the original fuel?
- How much of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are associated with electricity generation?
- What are U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by source and sector?
- What are greenhouse gases and how do they affect the climate?
- What are the energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels for the United States and the world?
- What are the greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions factors for fuels and electricity?