Ozone Layer Protection and Food Security: How UV Radiation Affects Phytoplankton, Agriculture, and Biodiversity
Every year on September 16 , the global community observes World Ozone Day to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol (1987) , a landmark environmental agreement that has been hailed as the most successful international treaty to date. The Protocol, backed by strong scientific evidence, led to the phaseout of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), saving Earth’s protective shield from further destruction. The 2025 theme , “ From Science to Global Action ,” reflects how discoveries in atmospheric chemistry have not only protected the ozone layer but also inspired coordinated international action for planetary well-being. Today, ozone protection is not just about skin cancer prevention; it is deeply intertwined with ecosystem health, agriculture, biodiversity, and food security . This article explores the critical connections between the ozone layer and food security, with a special focus on how UV radiation affects phytoplankton, agricultur...