In the imageīelow, the upper ranges of possible effects from the ozone changes are indicated by the open bars, and the lower ranges are indicated by the solid bars.Īs shown in the figure, the increase in carbon dioxide is the major contributor to climate change. In comparison to the effects of changes in other atmospheric gases, the effects of both of these ozone changes are difficult to calculate accurately. On the other hand, the ozone increases that are estimated to have occurred in the troposphere because of surface-pollution gases have a warming effect on the Earth's surface, thereby contributing to the 'greenhouse' effect.

The major ozone losses that have been observed in the lower stratosphere due to the human-produced chlorine- and bromine-containing gases have a cooling effect on the Earth's surface. Therefore, the climate impact of changes in ozone concentrations varies with the altitude at which these ozone changes occur. It also absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, effectively trapping heat in the troposphere.

It absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation, which heats the stratosphere. Ozone depletion and climate change are linked in a number of ways, but ozone depletion is not a major cause of climate change.Ītmospheric ozone has two effects on the temperature balance of the Earth.

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