Causes And Environmental Implications Of Increased Uv B Radiation

Since the realisation that the ozone layer protecting the earth is suffering massive depletion, atmospheric science has been increasingly in the spotlight. It is recognised that we need to increase our knowledge and understanding of the likely impact that increases in UV-B radiation will have on life on earth. Charting research that encompasses the changing distribution of atmospheric ozone, changes in UV-B radiation and the consequent effects on photochemistry and biological systems in the aquatic and terrestrial environments, Causes and Environmental Implications of Increased UV-B Radiation draws together experts from the international community. Also included is a discussion of the emotive and highly topical subject of skin cancer as related to increased UV-B radiation. As an up-to-date and authoritative summary of the state of this highly complex science, this book will be welcomed by all practitioners and researchers in the field.

This volume originates from the NATO Advanced Study Institute Environmental UV Radiation: Impact on Ecosystems and Human Health and Predictive Models, held in Pisa, Italy in June 2001. The Institute was sponsored and mainly funded by the NATO Scientific Affairs Division, whose constant contribution in favour of the cooperation among scientists from different countries must be acknowledged. Other Institutions substantially contributed to the success of the ASI and our thanks and appreciation go to the Italian National Research Council (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), the Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana), the European Society for Photobiology and the bank Banca Toscana. In the last two decades of the past century, concern has been growing for the possible effects on the biosphere of the stratospheric ozone depletion, due to anthropogenic emissions of ozone-destroying chemicals. The ozone loss causes an increase in the biologically important part of the solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) reaching the Earth’s surface, which constitutes a threat to the biosphere, because of UV damaging effects on humans, animals and plants. The international agreements have reduced the production of ozo- destroying compounds, which, however, are still present in high concentrations in the stratosphere, mainly because of their longevity, and thus ozone depletion will likely continue for several decades.

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) is electromagnetic radiation coming from the sun, with a medium wavelength which is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. The biological effects of UV-B are greater than simple heating effects, and many practical applications of UV-B radiation derive from its interactions with organic molecules. It is considered particularly harmful to the environment and living things, but what have scientific studies actually shown? UV-B Radiation: From Environmental Stressor to Regulator of Plant Growth presents a comprehensive overview of the origins, current state, and future horizons of scientific research on ultraviolet-B radiation and its perception in plants. Chapters explore all facets of UV-B research, including the basics of how UV-B's shorter wavelength radiation from the sun reaches the Earth's surface, along with its impact on the environment's biotic components and on human biological systems. Chapters also address the dramatic shift in UV-B research in recent years, reflecting emerging technologies, showing how historic research which focused exclusively on the harmful environmental effects of UV-B radiation has now given way to studies on potential benefits to humans. Topics include: UV-B and its climatology UV-B and terrestrial ecosystems Plant responses to UV-B stress UB- B avoidance mechanisms UV-B and production of secondary metabolites Discovery of UVR8 Timely and important, UV-B Radiation: From Environmental Stressor to Regulator of Plant Growth is an invaluable resource for environmentalists, researchers and students who are into the state-of-the-art research being done on exposure to UV-B radiation.

In response to the overwhelming concern for possible acute and long-term effects of ozone depletion on terrestrial and aquatic life, this volume presents a comprehensive collection of review articles from an internationally acknowledged group of experts.

Global climate change is the result of a complex system of atmospheric processes and their products. A main factor in this system is the increase in surface level ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation, which is known not only to cause human melanoma but also to affect terrestrial and aquatic life in general. This book illuminates the effects of UV-B on global agriculture. It reviews the assessment methodology, the mechanisms of action and the effects of elevated UV-B on crops, weeds and pathogens.

Global Climate Change presents both practical and theoretical aspects of global climate change from across geological periods. It addresses holistic issues related to climate change and its contribution in triggering the temperature increase with a multitude of impacts on natural processes. As a result, it helps to identify the gaps between policies that have been put in place and the continuously increasing emissions. The challenges presented include habitability, biodiversity, natural resources, and human health. It is organized into information on the past, present, and future of climate change to lead to a more complete understanding and therefore effective solutions. Placing an emphasis on recent climate change research, Global Climate Change helps to bring researchers and graduate students in climate science, environmental science, and sustainability up to date on the science of climate change so far and presents a baseline for how to move into the future effectively. Addresses the variety of challenges associated with climate change, along with possible solutions Includes suggestions for future research on climate change Covers climate change holistically, including global and regional scales, ecosystems, agriculture, energy, and sustainability Presents both practical and theoretical research, including coverage of climate change over various geological periods