Planet Faculty

If you are approximately thirty years old or older, you must have noticed that summer sun feels a little different than it used to. Or perhaps you’ve noticed that our winters aren't quite as harsh as they were decades ago—and as a result, bugs and pests seem to be everywhere? It turns out these aren't just random observations. They are connected through a complex atmospheric chain reaction involving the ozone layer, shifting greenhouse gases, and the delicate balance of our global climate. Here is a look at how our atmosphere has shifted over time, why pest populations are booming, and how simple, natural solutions—like planting trees—can help us bring back balance. The Original Blanket: The Ozone Layer and Natural Warmth To understand where we are today, we have to look at where we started. High up in the atmosphere, oxygen exists in a unique tri-atomic form: ozone, made of three tightly bonded oxygen atoms. Historically, the ozone layer did more than just protect us ...