Why does our Sun feel so intense lately?

We’re in a solar cycle minimum, so why does it seem so bright out? Why are we getting sunburnt so quickly?

An underappreciated aspect of climate change is our atmosphere’s ability to absorb and deflect UV radiation. Nat’l Geographic reports our ozone to be depleted by 20-65%, depending on the location above earth. In response, the UV scale no longer tops out at 10, but it is now left open-ended to accommodate the extreme readings that are the new norm. Mainstream weather stations are now reporting the data. How will society adapt to the new risk?

To understand the modern increase in UV risk, let’s review the 3 wavelengths we are concerned with. UVA is the most prevalent, but also the least risky. It plays a role in some cancers, promotes wrinkling, and is the frequency used in tanning beds. Next is the higher wavelength frequency of UVB, which is attributed to most sunburns and cancers. Finally, UVC - which is just one notch below X-rays - causes exponentially higher degrees of DNA damage. It traditionally didn’t reach us at ground level but unfortunately, it’s now penetrating our depleted ozone.

Youtube producer MrMBB333 has recruited a team of amateurs to gather UV data for his channel. Unlike the Richter Scale, the UV scale is simple and linear: a UV rating of 12 will burn you in half the time of a rating of 6. The team records the daily noontime readings in several U.S. states. During the summer, readings are commonly 10-12, breaking through the old scale. The Nat'l Weather Service is consistently reporting 9-10 ratings in AZ, confirming the amateur's work. UVC, usually said to be nonexistent at the earth’s mantle, now ranges 20-55 on their meters!

Bear in mind these ratings are for the continental US. In equatorial and high-altitude regions – the Andes mountains for example – UVA+B ratings commonly exceed 15. Conversely, some regions with high humidity and low altitude, like S. Dakota, often has low UV risk of 3-5.

Now it is up to us to adapt! The new spray-on, nanotech sunscreens and SPF-rated clothing is a great start. Should we be scheduling more road construction and ball games under the lights? Outdoor recreation can happen just after dawn and before dusk to avoid the high-noon peak UV.

When I awoke this morning at 4am, long before sunrise, the Dakota prairie hosted a chorus of songbirds. They were sharing the airspace with bats. Now, at noon, the birds are absent. Do the meadowlarks, robins, and mourning doves engage in a daily race against the powerful midday radiation from our sun, I wonder. How will our species adapt to our skyrocketing UV levels?