What is the significance of Rowland and Molina's research?

Rowland and Molina's research is significant because it provided critical evidence regarding the ozone-depleting properties of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Their work demonstrated that when CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they eventually rise to the stratosphere, where ultraviolet radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms can then catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This discovery had profound implications for environmental science and policy, contributing to international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to phase out the use of substances that harm the ozone layer. This highlights the importance of scientific research in influencing environmental regulations and safeguarding public health and ecosystems.