Ozone, quite a well known compound, is a highly reactive gaseous compound that can be found in both of the lowest levels of the atmosphere: the troposphere and the stratosphere. In the stratosphere, ozone carries out a very useful function, it protects life on Earth from the sun’s UV rays. However, at lower levels, it is a potent greenhouse gas and air pollutant, which is detrimental  to human life along with the ecosystem in general. It also forms a major component of photochemical smog

Although short-lived, tropospheric ozone is a huge  climate pollutant with an atmospheric lifetime of hours to weeks. It is not directly emitted, but rather it is a secondary pollutant formed by the chemical reaction of sunlight with hydrocarbons  and nitrogen oxides, which are emitted by vehicles, fossil fuel power plants, and other man-made sources.

In order to minimise the production of tropospheric ozone and improve ecosystem health, we must reduce our methane emissions and cut the levels of atmospheric pollution from anthropogenic sources. methane reductions and cutting the levels of atmospheric pollution arising from man-made sources, including agriculture, livestock rearing and industry

Ozone absorbs radiation and consequently acts as a strong greenhouse gas. Tropospheric ozone affects the climate beyond increased warming, having impacts on evaporation rates, cloud formation, precipitation levels, and atmospheric circulation. These impacts mainly occur within the regions where tropospheric ozone precursors are emitted, and disproportionately affect major regions of the earth

Apart from just being a greenhouse gas, tropospheric ozone is also a constituent of photochemical smog  which aggravates bronchitis and asthma. It can permanently damage lung tissue.  A rather disturbing fact is that exposure to tropospheric ozone is responsible for an estimated one million premature deaths each year. Thus, we must take measures to reduce the levels of tropospheric ozone in the atmosphere based on guidelines provided in this article.