The primary component of the ozone layer is ozone (O₃). Located in the stratosphere, this layer absorbs a significant portion of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting living organisms on Earth from its damaging effects. The depletion of the ozone layer, caused by human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), has raised serious environmental concerns. Efforts to reduce these emissions and protect the ozone layer have led to successful international agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol.