Which of the following is a consequence of ozone layer depletion?

The consequence of ozone layer depletion that stands out is the higher incidence of skin cancer. The ozone layer acts as a protective shield, absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When the ozone layer is depleted, more UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface, which increases the risk of harmful effects on human health, particularly skin cancer. Specifically, UV radiation is known to damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

In contrast, other options do not reflect the outcomes of ozone layer depletion accurately. Increased crop yields would not likely result from such depletion, as higher UV exposure can negatively affect plant growth and reduce agricultural productivity. Colder temperatures globally are also inaccurate, as ozone layer depletion is associated with higher surface UV levels and not a decrease in temperatures. Lastly, decreased air pollution is not a consequence of ozone layer depletion, as the two issues are separate environmental challenges.