What increase is associated with greater ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion?

The increase in skin cancer rates is closely associated with greater ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to ozone depletion. The ozone layer acts as a protective shield in the Earth’s atmosphere, absorbing a significant portion of the sun’s harmful UV radiation. When the ozone layer is depleted, more UV rays reach the Earth’s surface, leading to an increase in the risk of skin damage in humans. This damage can manifest in various forms, primarily as skin cancer, particularly melanoma, which is one of the most serious types of skin cancer.

The rise in skin cancer rates can be understood through the mechanism of UV radiation and its biological effects. UV radiation can directly damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and ultimately increasing the risks of cancerous growths. Moreover, with the heightened exposure caused by ozone depletion, the general population experiences a greater incidence of skin-related health issues, reinforcing the dangers posed by increased UV radiation.

Other options, while potentially having connections to environmental changes, do not directly correlate with the primary health impact of increased UV radiation like skin cancer does. For instance, while water temperature rise can be influenced by climate factors, it is not a direct consequence of ozone depletion in the same way that skin cancer rates are affected by increased UV exposure. Thus