The ozone layer serves as a shield for the earth. It keeps dangerous UV rays out of the atmosphere, which are hazardous and can cause skin cancer. However, air pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the primary cause of ozone layer depletion. UV rays are damaging to plants because they interfere with photosynthesis and kill planktons and decomposers. These are the reasons why ozone layer damage is a major concern.

Many developing and developed countries have signed UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) directives to freeze or limit the manufacture and use of CFCs, and they are following them.