At the dawn of the 1980s, while disco faded, personal computers emerged, and something called the internet came into being, an invisible threat loomed. The ozone layer, Earth’s protective shield against harmful UV radiation, was vanishing.

Scientists sounded an alarm as a familiar dance began—one of denial, debate, and eventual, albeit hesitant, action from industry and the U.S. government.

This isn’t only a tale of the past; it’s a mirror of our present climate crisis, a corporate thriller that spans decades, in which those who once denied the problem can emerge as the heroes. The ozone case study offers a stark parallel to today’s climate change debate and an important lesson about business, sustainability, and American competitiveness on the global stage.

To get started, let’s go back forty years in time (you can crimp your hair if you’d like).