Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
The stratospheric ozone layer protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The thinning of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere, primarily due to human-made chemicals, allows more harmful UV radiation to reach Earth's surface.
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In 1987, a global agreement known as the Montreal Protocol was reached which led to the phasing out of ozone depleting substances such as CFCs and HCFCs. This resulted in the Boundary's status improving and is now back within the safe operating space
Latest News On Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
Impact
Depletion of stratospheric ozone allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth's surface, significantly increasing the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems in humans.
This increased UV radiation also adversely affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In oceans, it can damage phytoplankton populations, which are crucial for marine food webs. On land, elevated UV levels can impact crop yields and the health of forest ecosystems.
Additionally, changes in stratospheric ozone levels influence climate dynamics, as alterations in ozone concentrations affect atmospheric temperatures and circulation patterns, impacting both regional and global climate systems.
Control Variables
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Stratospheric ozone concentration
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Drivers
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Drivers & Interconnections
Human activity is the central contributor to breaching the Planetary Boundaries. Our actions almost always affect the planet in many ways. We need to take a holistic view, considering a whole earth approach to the decisions that we take.
Find out more about tipping points
The most viable areas for positive transformation are in energy generation, land use and consumption of resources. All can have substantial, positive effects on maintaining our safe operating space for humanity.
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