Celebrating ACE’s contributions to atmospheric monitoring on World Ozone Day
Implementing and advancing atmospheric monitoring is an important part of Canada’s contributions to atmospheric science. Through the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) aboard the Canadian Space Agency’s SCISAT satellite, critical data on over 46 atmospheric trace gases is measured, including ozone and notable refrigerants like CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs. ACE, which was originally launched in August 2003 as a two-year mission, has been using high resolution Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy by solar occultation to gather data for over 20 years now.
The importance of projects like this one, led by scientists in the Chemistry department at the University of Waterloo, is even more notable on occasions such as World Ozone Day. This year’s theme, “From Science to Global Action,” reminds us of the ongoing need for data, and the subsequent research, that comes from projects like ACE because of the huge role it plays in moving atmospheric science forward globally.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985), in which nations agreed to take action to protect the planet from harmful radiation entering the Earth’s atmosphere. This convention provided the framework for the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, which is widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental agreements in history. It has led to the phase-out of nearly 99% of ozone-depleting substances, contributing to the slow but steady recovery of the ozone layer.
“ACE continues to deliver high-quality atmospheric data more than 20 years after launch,” says Peter Bernath, ACE mission scientist and research professor at the University of Waterloo. “No other satellite measures more trace gases that are regulated by the Montreal Protocol and ACE’s unique measurements help us track the recovery of the ozone layer and monitor the change in atmospheric composition.”
ACEs satellite measurements are crucial for verifying the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol by understanding how changes in emissions are affecting the ozone layer and climate. ACE data is in high demand, as over 2000 researchers from over 40 countries have cited it in over 750 scientific publications. On top of that, ACE data has also been incorporated into United Nations World Meteorological Organization assessments that inform decision-makers on future policy decisions and Canadian controls to regulate the reduction of ozone-depleting substances.
The recovery of the ozone layer remains a global priority and demands sustained commitment and scientific innovation. Missions like ACE exemplify how scientific innovation and technology continue to play a vital role in protecting our atmosphere on World Ozone Day and beyond. As we build toward a more sustainable future, it is essential to uphold the progress made under the Montreal Protocol and continue to build upon it for the generations to come.