Solution:Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are released into the atmosphere. These gases, through several chemical reactions, cause the ozone molecules to break down, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation absorbing capacity.Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic organic molecules. They are therefore used in refrigerators and air conditioners, in the production of plastic foam, and by the electronic industry for cleaning computer parts. The most common Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115.
CFCs transport agents that continuously generate chlorine radicals into the stratosphere and damage the ozone layer. One free Chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do much damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time. CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years.
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by eliminating the production and consumption of ODSs like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The worldwide production of CFCs has been prohibited since 2010. In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide.