What is the consequence of a decrease in stratospheric ozone?

What is the consequence of a decrease in stratospheric ozone?

• A. Decreases temperature at the poles
• B. Increases vitamin D production
• C. Causes more rainfall
• D. Increases UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface

Answer: (D)

Stratospheric ozone acts as a shield that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-B. When ozone levels drop, this protective filter becomes thinner, so more UV rays reach the Earth's surface. That increased UV exposure leads to greater DNA damage in living cells, higher risks of skin cancer and cataracts in people, and immune system effects. It also can disrupt ecosystems by affecting phytoplankton and plant growth, and can accelerate material degradation and other ecological impacts. So, the main consequence of a decrease in stratospheric ozone is that more UV radiation reaches the surface, with a range of health and environmental effects.

Stratospheric ozone acts as a shield that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation, especially UV-B. When ozone levels drop, this protective filter becomes thinner, so more UV rays reach the Earth's surface. That increased UV exposure leads to greater DNA damage in living cells, higher risks of skin cancer and cataracts in people, and immune system effects. It also can disrupt ecosystems by affecting phytoplankton and plant growth, and can accelerate material degradation and other ecological impacts. So, the main consequence of a decrease in stratospheric ozone is that more UV radiation reaches the surface, with a range of health and environmental effects.