Scientists have found a new hole in the Earth’s ozone gas layer that can lead to skin cancer and other conditions. As per researchers, the existence of the tropical ozone hole may cause great global concern.
As reported in the AIP Advances journal, the hole is located in the lower stratosphere and is seven times bigger than the one over Antarctica. It is believed to have been present since the 1980s, with models only recently being able to confirm its existence.
The ozone gas layer envelops the Earth and protects it from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. The depletion of the ozone gas is caused by global climate change and can lead to skin cancer and cataracts in humans as well as weaken immune systems. It can also decrease agricultural productivity and negatively affect aquatic organisms and ecosystems.
Also watch: Consume local food to fight against climate change: Research