Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center Environmental Effects of Ozone Depletion 1998 Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Chapter 1
CHANGES IN BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION REACHING THE EARTH'S SURFACE

Summary

Introduction

Biologically Active UV Radiation

Measurements of UV Radiation

• Ozone-Related UV Radiation Changes
• Cloud-Related UV Radiation Changes
• Aerosol-Related UV Radiation Changes

Model-Derived Surface UV Radiation

Future UV Radiation Levels

References

Chapter 2
HEALTH RISKS

Summary

Introduction

Hazards for Humans

• Effects on the Eye
• Effects on the Immune System
• Lupus and other Autoimmune Diseases


Effects on the Skin

 
• Sunburn
• Photoaging
• Skin Cancer


Hazards for Domestic Animals

Factors Modifying Exposure and Susceptibility

• Genetics
• Behavior
• Diet
• Medical Treatment/Status


Risk Assessment

 
• Cataract
• Sunburn
• Skin Cancer


Offsetting Risks of Mitigation Strategies
 

• CFC Substitutes


References

Chapter  3
EFFECTS OF INCREASED SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS

Summary

Introduction

General Effects on Organisms

• Basic Effects of UV-B Radiation on Organisms and their Protective Responses
• The Biological Effectiveness of Changes in Sunlight
• Plant Growth Responses
• Plant Reproductive Processes
• Carry-over Effects of UV-B Irradiation in Subsequent Generations


Ecosystem-level UV-B Radiation Effects Involving Higher Plants
 

• Competitive Balance
• Plant Susceptibility to Pathogens and Insects
• Timing of Life Phases
• Other Effects due to Changes in Higher Plant Tissues


Ecosystem Effects of Solar UV-B not Mediated by Higher Plants

Which Terrestrial Ecosystems Might be Most Affected by Increased UV-B Radiation?

Interaction of UV-B and other Factors

Implications for Agriculture, Forests and other Ecosystems

• Crops
• Forests
• Other Ecosystems at Mid and High Latitudes


References

Chapter 4
EFFECTS ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

Summary

Introduction

Dissolved Organic Matter and Solar UV Radiation

Measurements and Modeling

Bacterioplankton and Picoplankton

Cyanobacteria

Phytoplankton

Macroalgae and Seagrasses

Zooplankton

Secondary Consumers

Ecosystems

• Freshwater
• The Antarctic Aquatic Ecosystem.
• The Arctic Aquatic Ecosystem


Conclusions and Consequences

References

Chapter 5
EFFECTS OF ENHANCED SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

Summary

Introduction

Terrestrial Ecosystems

• Carbon Capture and Storage
• Direct Effects of UV-B on Decomposition
• Mineral Nutrient Cycling
• Interactions With Other Co-Occurring Environmental Change Variables
• UV-B and Trace Gas Exchange


Aquatic Ecosystems
 

• Carbon Capture and Storage
• Decomposition
• Mineral Nutrient Cycling
• Interactions with Other Co-Occurring Environmental Change Variables
• UV-B and Trace Gas Exchange


References

Chapter 6
CHANGES IN TROPOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND AIR QUALITY

Summary

Introduction

Increases in UV-B Photodissociation Rate Coefficients

Changes in Tropospheric Chemical Composition

• Changes in O3
• Changes in HOx
• Changes in CH4 and CO
• Changes in H2O2


Atmospheric Production and Fate of Trifluoroacetic Acid

TFA in the Biosphere

• Environmental Distribution
• Degradation
• Bioaccumulation in Animals and Plants
• Ecotoxicology
• Mammalian Toxicity
• TFA Risk Assessment


References

Chapter 7
EFFECTS OF INCREASED SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON MATERIALS

Summary

Introduction

UV Damage to Polymers

Wavelength Sensitivity of Photodegradation

Conclusions

References

Health Effects

Duration of Exposure to UV-B Radiation

Are Animals at Risk?

Aquatic Life

Terrestrial Plant Life

Location-specific Issues

Clear Skies vs. Cloud Cover

Sunbathing

Economic Consequences

Co-authors

List of Expert Reviewers

List of Abbreviations

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