Antarctic wildlife increasingly exposed to harmful UV rays

 

Recent research indicates that Antarctic wildlife is facing increased exposure to the Sun's harmful rays due to a lingering hole in the ozone layer over the continent. This hole, traditionally appearing during spring, has extended its presence into the Antarctic summer months, leaving vulnerable wildlife at risk.

The ozone layer, crucial for shielding Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has been under threat primarily due to ozone-depleting chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Although the Montreal Protocol of 1987 has helped mitigate the use of such chemicals, the annual depletion of ozone over Antarctica persists due to specific atmospheric conditions.

Typically, the ozone hole peaks in September and October, a time when most land-based plants and animals are shielded by snow cover, and marine animals are protected by sea ice. However, the extended duration of the ozone hole now exposes Antarctic wildlife during the summer months, increasing their vulnerability to harmful UV-B rays.

While certain animals, like seals and penguins, may be shielded by fur and feathers, the risk of eye damage remains a concern. Antarctic plants, such as mosses, have been found to produce their own protective compounds against UV radiation, but this comes at a cost to their growth and energy allocation.

Krill, a vital component of the Antarctic food chain, have been observed moving deeper into the ocean to avoid UV exposure, potentially disrupting the ecosystem dynamics for predators like whales, seals, and seabirds.

The prolonged duration of the ozone hole in recent years has been attributed, in part, to the unprecedented scale of Australian bushfires, which release particles that exacerbate ozone-depleting reactions. Climate-cooling experiments like geoengineering, which involve releasing particles into the upper atmosphere to create clouds, have been cautioned against due to their potential to further deplete ozone.

Addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions is highlighted as the most effective measure to support ozone layer recovery and mitigate the risks faced by Antarctic wildlife.