What can lead to negative effects on the environment, such as increased UV radiation exposure?

Ozone depletion is a process in which the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere decreases. The ozone layer acts as a protective shield that absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When the ozone layer is depleted, more UV radiation reaches the Earth’s surface. Increased exposure to UV radiation can lead to a variety of negative effects on the environment, including higher rates of skin cancer in humans, damage to eye health, and detrimental impacts on wildlife, particularly sensitive species such as amphibians and certain marine organisms.

In contrast, while eutrophication, acid rain, and deforestation can have significant environmental impacts, they do not specifically lead to increased UV radiation exposure. Eutrophication involves the over-enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, which can lead to harmful algal blooms. Acid rain is the result of pollutants in the atmosphere that fall to the ground, affecting soil and water quality. Deforestation involves the large-scale removal of trees, impacting biodiversity and carbon storage but does not directly influence the levels of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.