Determine the global livestock mortality and economic losses from enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation

Determine the global livestock mortality and economic losses associated with enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation following nuclear war, particularly under natural post-war exposure conditions.

Background

The paper discusses evidence linking solar ultraviolet radiation to ocular cancer and other forms of animal damage, while also noting that ultraviolet exposure can have beneficial effects under controlled conditions. However, the available observational evidence and systematic studies are insufficient for estimating worldwide livestock mortality or economic losses after nuclear-war-induced ultraviolet enhancement. A quantitative assessment would be necessary to incorporate livestock consequences into a comprehensive nuclear-war health and food-system analysis.

References

However, due to the limited availability of observational data and systematic studies, it remains difficult to quantify the global mortality or economic losses in livestock associated with enhanced UV-B radiation.

— Impacts of Nuclear War on Human Health from Changed Surface Ultraviolet Radiation  (2608.18411 - Xu et al., 19 Aug 2026) in Section 4.3.2, “Ecological and agricultural impacts,” p. 21

However, such beneficial effects are largely dependent on controlled exposure conditions, and it remains unclear whether elevated UV levels under natural conditions would produce similar outcomes.

— Impacts of Nuclear War on Human Health from Changed Surface Ultraviolet Radiation  (2608.18411 - Xu et al., 19 Aug 2026) in Section 4.3.2, “Ecological and agricultural impacts,” p. 21