1. Human activities that have reduced the amount of ozone in the stratosphere include the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from refrigerants, aerosol cans, and industrial processes, as well as the use of other ozone-depleting substances like halons and methyl bromide.
2. A reduction in stratospheric ozone could lead to an increase in skin cancer rates, cataracts, and weakened immune systems in humans due to higher levels of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
3. A reduction in stratospheric ozone could have negative impacts on ecosystems by harming plant growth, disrupting food chains, and damaging marine organisms like phytoplankton.
4. Countries around the world have worked together through international agreements like the Montreal Protocol to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. This has led to the successful recovery of the ozone layer in recent years.
Ozone in the stratosphere helps to block ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from the sun. UV radiation can be harmful to organisms on Earth.
What human activities have reduced the amount of ozone in the stratosphere?
(2 points)
How could a reduction in stratospheric ozone affect human health?
(1 point)
How could a reduction in stratospheric ozone affect the health of ecosystems?
(1 point)
How have countries around the world banded together to address the problem of declining stratospheric ozone levels?
(2 points)
1 answer