Sunburn threatens animals and plants in Antarctica

The ozone layer is the part of the atmosphere located at an altitude of 15 to 30 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It is essential for the survival of life on our planet because it blocks excess harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. Ozone losses occur periodically over some regions, which is called the ozone hole. This phenomenon lasts longer and longer over Antarctica, causing the snow and ice cover to melt earlier and faster, which in turn negatively affects the local flora and fauna.

According to scientists from Australia, Chile and the USA, the main reason for the decline in ozone concentration over Antarctica are unprecedented fires in Australia, fueled by climate change. An article about the negative impact of the ozone hole on the flora and fauna of Antarctica was published in the journal “Global Change Biology”.

The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica usually peaks in September and October, when most land animals are safely hidden under snow cover and marine animals are protected by extensive sea ice. This phenomenon usually disappeared before the arrival of the Antarctic summer, in December. Thanks to this, most of the fauna and flora were not exposed to intense UV-B radiation. Unfortunately, recently the depletion of the ozone layer continued until December. According to researchers, the coincidence of the ozone hole with the beginning of summer is very disturbing. UV-B radiation may negatively affect developing plants and animals, for which the beginning of summer is also the beginning of the breeding season.

– Summer is the period when animals and plants are most exposed to harmful radiation – emphasized Professor Sharon Robinson from the University of Wollongong in Australia, who co-authored the article.

Some types of ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) increase the risk of skin cancer and cataracts in humans, but scientists don't yet know whether the same applies to Antarctic mammals and birds.

– The skin of animals that have fur or feathers is probably protected from UV-B radiation. The biggest threat to Antarctic animals may be eye damage, Robinson said.

In the article, researchers analyzed all available research on the effects of harmful UV rays on Antarctic plants and animals. They found evidence that the moss growing in Antarctica can synthesize its own “sunscreen compounds”, which protect it against radiation.

– If the moss puts energy into sun protection, it spends less energy on its development, said Professor Robinson. “Sun protection always comes at a cost,” she added.

Scientists point out that some organisms avoid exposure to solar radiation. Krill, the base of the Antarctic food chain, move deeper into the ocean to avoid UV rays, which can negatively impact the whales, seals, penguins and other seabirds that feed on them.

In 1985, scientists working in Antarctica discovered a hole in the ozone layer by measuring the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth. Freons were the source of such holes. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement to counteract the ozone hole, was signed. This protocol is considered the most successful environmental treaty in history. Fulfilling its provisions allowed for reducing the ozone hole.