Ozone Hole Reduced . ... Credit Copyright: SVS , TOMS , NASA Explanation: Although a new ozone hole has formed again this year over the South Pole , this time it is a little bit smaller than the year before . Ozone is important because it shields us from damaging ultraviolet sunlight. ... This year, however, the slightly reduced size of the ozone hole is mostly due to relatively mild weather, which reduces the efficiency of ozone depletion. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...