The evolution of the stratospheric ozone layer remains a central problem to contemporary science because of its importance for the sustainable development of human society. Besides its role in shielding the biosphere from dangerous solar UV radiation, it is now recognized that stratospheric ozone plays an important role in the global atmosphere and climate variability. The variability of the ozone layer is related to many atmospheric processes including chemistry, radiative transfer, dynamics, and others, which are all interrelated and variable on different time scales.

In the 1980s, it was discovered that the ozone layer was being damaged by anthropogenic halocarbons, which led to limitations on the production of halocarbon-containing ozone depleting substances via the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments (MPA). Numerous studies have confirmed that the influence of the MPA on the climate and ozone layer is substantial and that the absence of MPA limitations would have led to dramatic ozone loss and an increase in the level of dangerous UV radiation near the surface. Despite the MPA, lower stratospheric ozone is still declining, which indicate there are processes influencing the stratospheric ozone that are not fully understood. The future of the ozone layer is also uncertain due to regular revisions in future scenarios of concentrations of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, the possibility of future large volcanic eruptions and climate intervention through potential geoengineering schemes.

This Research Topic will cover important aspects of the ozone layer evolution in the past, present, and future. The main goal is to help in providing understanding and direction on how to protect the ozone layer and to make more accurate future projections. Manuscripts focusing on one of the following or related points are particularly welcome:
• Processes responsible for recent lower stratospheric ozone variability and trends;
• Ozone layer feedbacks in a changing climate;
• Future behavior of the ozone layer considering uncertainties in natural and anthropogenic forcings;
• Modelling and observational issues related to stratospheric ozone; and
• Global problems related to the tropospheric ozone.

We welcome all article types, with a particular emphasis on Original Research, Reviews and Perspectives.

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