What process leads to stratospheric ozone depletion?

The process that leads to stratospheric ozone depletion is primarily the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are man-made compounds that were commonly used as refrigerants, propellants in aerosol sprays, and in the manufacture of foam products. When released into the atmosphere, these compounds eventually rise to the stratosphere, where they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This UV radiation causes the CFCs to break down, releasing chlorine atoms.

The chlorine atoms are highly reactive and can destroy ozone (O3) molecules, which play a critical role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful UV radiation. A single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere. This chain reaction contributes significantly to the thinning of the ozone layer, leading to greater exposure to UV radiation, which can have serious ecological and health effects, such as increased skin cancers and harm to various life forms.

In contrast, deforestation, water pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels, while they have their own environmental impacts, do not directly cause the degradation of ozone in the stratosphere. Deforestation mainly affects carbon dioxide levels and biodiversity, water pollution impacts aquatic ecosystems,