Antarctic organisms at risk due to ozone depletion

Climate change is characterized by long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns, manifesting as severe heatwaves, relentless rainfall, floods, and other extreme conditions. These changes are increasingly affecting various species across the globe.

One notable environmental issue is the ozone hole over Antarctica, which emerges each spring. Over the past 25 years, this hole has begun to shrink, yet it remains a significant concern as it continues to persist for extended periods. According to a recent study published in the journal Global Change Biology, titled “Extended ozone depletion and reduced snow and ice cover—Consequences for Antarctic biota,” the ozone hole has remained unusually large for the past four years.

The ozone layer plays a crucial role in blocking ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun, which is essential for protecting both plant and animal life in Antarctica. However, the study notes that stratospheric ozone has been depleted over recent decades due to the emission of man-made gases.

While the ozone layer is expected to recover by the end of the 21st century, the hole still forms annually. Typically, the ozone depletion peaks between September and October, coinciding with a period when most of Antarctica’s terrestrial vegetation and soil biota are dormant and shielded by snow. This timing has traditionally offered some protection to the native biota, including Emperor Penguins and seals that breed on the winter sea ice.

However, the study raises concerns that the ozone hole has persisted into late December in recent years. This extended period of ozone depletion is alarming because it overlaps with the snowmelt and the emergence of vegetation, exposing the biota to higher levels of UV-B radiation.

The study concludes by emphasizing the link between climate change and the delayed recovery of the ozone layer, underscoring the urgent need to decarbonize the global economy to protect this vital planetary boundary.