It is often mistaken that ozone is the main cause of Global Warming. In fact the only line of similarity between them is that both of them are a sign of our depleting planet and how the environment is reversing its pattern and turning destructive.

What is Ozone? It is made up of three oxygen atoms (O3) and surrounds the Earth about 40km above the Earth’s surface (stratosphere). It protects life on Earth by absorbing the harmful UV radiation from the Sun, preventing it from reaching the earth's surface. Since 1976, there has been an alarming depletion of the ozone in the stratosphere over the South Pole. How does this happen?

It is caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They are compounds containing the elements carbon, fluorine and chlorine. CFCs are widely used as propellants for aerosols and as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioners. They remain in the atmosphere for a very long time and slowly diffuse through the air and move up to the stratosphere, where they react with ozone, leading to its destruction.

Further, too much UV rays will damage plant tissues and destroy crops, thereby reducing food production. Also, planktons - basic source of food for marine life - would be killed, and this will affect the entire marine ecosystem.  This can cause diseases like skin cancer and cataract and may also result in a reduced resistance to diseases in humans.