Who does ozone depletion affect?

Who does ozone depletion affect?

• A. Only people near industrial areas
• B. Only plants in polar regions
• C. Everyone
• D. Sea life only

Answer: (C)

Ozone depletion raises UV exposure for all living things because the ozone layer normally blocks most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet B rays. When that shield weakens, everyone—humans, animals, plants, and even microorganisms in oceans—faces higher UV stress. For people, increased UV-B raises risks of skin cancer, eye damage, and immune system effects. For ecosystems, more UV-B can harm crop yields, disrupt growth in plants, and affect aquatic life by impacting phytoplankton, which are foundational to many food webs. Since the issue affects the entire planet, not just specific locations or groups, everyone is affected.

Ozone depletion raises UV exposure for all living things because the ozone layer normally blocks most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet B rays. When that shield weakens, everyone—humans, animals, plants, and even microorganisms in oceans—faces higher UV stress. For people, increased UV-B raises risks of skin cancer, eye damage, and immune system effects. For ecosystems, more UV-B can harm crop yields, disrupt growth in plants, and affect aquatic life by impacting phytoplankton, which are foundational to many food webs. Since the issue affects the entire planet, not just specific locations or groups, everyone is affected.