Climate change increases the need for UV protection

Protection from UV radiation

Even today, climate change has measurable and tangible consequences in Germany. This includes an increase in the number of cloudless and sunny days. Initial evaluations by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) show that in years with an increased duration of sunshine, the population is exposed to more UV radiation on average.

Protection from the sun's UV radiation will play an even more important role in the context of climate change than it has in the past.

On Monday, the current Climate Impact and Risk Analysis (KWRA 2021) of the Federal Government was presented. The BfS was involved on the topic of "Climate change and UV radiation".

For the second time since 2015, the analysis summarises and assesses the risks for Germany associated with climate change. The analysis also contains possible solutions for reducing potential risks as well as assessments of what actions are required.

"UV-related health damage has now been included as another topic in the current Climate Impact and Risk Analysis of the German government", says Inge Paulini, President of the BfS.

"We are pleased that protection against UV radiation has been given the necessary priority in the context of climate change. Because with climate change, everyone's risk of contracting UV-related diseases increases".

Climate change and UV radiation

The Climate Impact and Risk Analysis is prepared every six years on behalf of the German Government within the framework of the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS) with the participation of the "Climate change and adaptation" network as well as other experts.

On Monday, the results of the latest report were presented at an event organised by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. A summary of the report as well as the individual chapters – including the 'Health' field of action – are available online.

Climate change influences UV radiation in several ways.

Effects of climate change

• In recent decades, mini-ozone holes over Germany have been occurring with increasing frequency as a result of winter ozone depletion over the Arctic. When this happens, the UV index in Germany rises to considerable levels as early as March.
• The complex interactions between greenhouse gases, climate change, and the stratospheric ozone layer could delay the recovery of the ozone layer and the associated reduction in UV radiation.
• As a result of climate change, the number of hours of sunshine per year is increasing. In years with an increased number of sunshine hours, the annual UV radiation also increased.
• More days with comfortable temperatures mean that people may spend more time outdoors than usual and may thus also be exposed to more UV radiation.

As a result of climate change, exposure to UV radiation may increase – and with it the risk of serious skin and eye diseases.

UV protection in all areas of life

Among other things, the KWRA 2021 identifies target group-specific education and information, standards for codes of conduct, research, monitoring of the UV radiation, the improvement of technical equipment and regulations on occupational health and safety, and measures in urban planning and building law as essential approaches to solving the problem. This includes the establishment of shaded areas.

President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Dr Inge Paulini

"Protection against harmful UV rays is increasingly becoming a task for society as a whole. Only by creating suitable framework conditions as a society can we avoid long-term damage to health. Anyone who wants to protect themselves from the sun should be able to do so – for example, by sitting in shaded areas", emphasises Paulini.

The BfS has been working for decades to counteract UV-related diseases – especially skin cancer – by means of research, information, and prevention.

Together with the partners in the UV Protection Alliance, the BfS has listed measures to improve UV protection in a position paper of the alliance. These includes improved public information on current UV exposure (UV index) and the establishment of shaded areas. In addition, the topic is to be increasingly anchored in relevant curricula, studies, and training courses. The BfS also provides various teaching materials to kindergartens and schools.

The UV Protection Alliance is an initiative of 26 German and European institutes specialising in solar UV radiation and skin cancer prevention. The UV Protection Alliance aims to work towards sensible UV protection using the right measures as well as suitable structures in all living environments in order to prevent UV-related diseases – especially cancer.