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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun is a form of electromagnetic energy. When this radiation reaches the Earth, the ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs it. This process is crucial for life on Earth as it protects us from harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans.
The ozone layer is predominantly made up of ozone (O3) molecules. When UV rays hit these molecules, the energy from the radiation is absorbed, which leads to a chemical reaction splitting the ozone molecule into a regular oxygen molecule (O2) and a single oxygen atom (O).
The oxygen atom then recombines with another O2 molecule, reforming O3. This absorption and release process transforms the raw energy of UV radiation into heat, warming the stratosphere. This not only contributes to increasing temperatures at higher altitudes but also moderates global temperatures by balancing the influx of solar radiation.

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that warms the Earth's atmosphere. It is critical in maintaining the planet’s temperature and making it hospitable for life. In both the stratosphere and other layers of the atmosphere, certain gases play a key role in trapping heat.
These greenhouse gases include:

• Water vapor
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Methane (CH4)
• Nitrous oxide (N2O)

These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely, where it is absorbed by the Earth's surface and then radiated back as infrared energy or heat.
Greenhouse gases absorb this infrared radiation, re-emitting it in various directions, which heats the atmosphere. This trapped heat is similar to how a blanket maintains warmth and is vital for keeping Earth’s climate stable.

The ozone layer is a protective shield found in the stratosphere, about 10-50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, ensuring that life on Earth is not exposed to dangerous amounts of UV rays.
This crucial layer consists of a higher concentration of ozone molecules compared to other parts of the atmosphere. While it covers the Earth, it isn't uniform and can vary in thickness.
Over the years, human activities have released pollutants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that damage the ozone layer, leading to thinning spots or 'holes.'
Efforts to reduce CFCs and other harmful chemicals have been successful in helping to recover some parts of the layer, showcasing the importance of international cooperation in environmental protection. By maintaining this layer, not only is UV radiation absorbed, helping to warm the stratosphere, but the overall health of all organisms on Earth is protected.