Ozone Layer Depletion and Its Impacts on the Environment and Public Health: A Review.

Abstract:

The level of solar UV radiation is increasing worldwide due to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. The ozone layer is considered a protective shield from harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun to humans and the environment. In this narrative review, the paper investigates the cause of Ozone depletion, its impacts on the environment and human health, and initiatives to protect the ozone layer. It gives an overview of the depletion of the ozone layer from natural and anthropogenic processes, which has led to numerous harmful effects on human health and the environment. The exposure to harmful UV radiation has led to increased long-term effects, including the rise of melanoma is estimated to rise to 510,000 new cases and 96,000 deaths by 2040, and a decline in crop productivity by about 3% for every 10% increase in UVB radiation. However, the ratification of the Montreal Protocol globally has led to combined efforts to recover the stratospheric ozone layer. The challenges of limited funding to implement activities tailored towards abating ozone layer depletion, and porous borders in many countries still hinder the initiatives to save the ozone layer.