A crucial property of O3 is its ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Because of this, the ozone layer actually warms the stratosphere. But more importantly, the absorption of the UV light at high altitudes prevents this harmful radiation from reaching the surface of our planet. In fact, life on Earth could not flourish on land without the ozone layer. UV radiation is very destructive to organic matter. For humans, excessive UV exposure spells out increased risk of cancer and cataracts.

Reprinted from Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, NASA et al.