Ozone.

Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs ultraviolet solar radiation; in the troposphere, it creates pollution with other greenhouse gases (GHGs). Stratospheric ozone absorbs the Sun’s rays and protects life from harmful wavelengths. It is produced naturally through photochemical reactions and electrical discharges. High-energy, ultraviolet light splits oxygen atoms, which, in effect, form ozone molecules. Ozone-depleting substances, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) destroy the gas and create “ozone holes.” Ozone holes transmit ultraviolet solar radiation and increase temperature at the Earth’s surface. Tropospheric ozone is produced by the reaction between volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. It creates smog, limiting the ability of solar energy reflected from the surface to escape to the atmosphere.