Scientists find ozone depletion began decades before discovery of ozone hole
Using modern tools, they also determined that carbon tetrachloride, used as a dry-cleaning and degreasing agent as early as the 1930s, was at the root of early ozone loss.
Susan Solomon named 2026 Tang Prize laureate
The MIT professor’s groundbreaking work on atmospheric chemistry helped lay steps towards recovery of the ozone layer and demonstrated the lasting impacts of carbon emissions on Earth’s climate.
Study: The ozone hole is healing, thanks to global reduction of CFCs
New results show with high statistical confidence that ozone recovery is going strong.
Scientists find a human “fingerprint” in the upper troposphere’s increasing ozone
Knowing where to look for this signal will help researchers identify specific sources of the potent greenhouse gas.
Q&A: What past environmental success can teach us about solving the climate crisis
In a new book, Professor Susan Solomon uses previous environmental successes as a source of hope and guidance for mitigating climate change.
Susan Solomon wins VinFuture Award for Female Innovators
The award recognizes Solomon’s contributions to understanding ozone depletion and the creation of the Montreal Protocol.
Study: Smoke particles from wildfires can erode the ozone layer
MIT chemists show the Australian wildfires widened the ozone hole by 10 percent in 2020.
Methane research takes on new urgency at MIT
Desiree Plata's research focuses on developing technologies and strategies for environmental sustainability.
Study reveals chemical link between wildfire smoke and ozone depletion
If wildfires become larger and more frequent, they might stall ozone recovery for years.
Understanding air pollution from space
Arlene Fiore uses satellite data paired with ground observations to refine our understanding of ozone smog and interactions with meteorology and climate.
Arlene Fiore appointed first Stone Professor in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
Fiore brings a breadth of expertise in climate science, atmospheric chemistry, and air pollution to MIT.
New approach could change how we track extreme air pollution events
Study demonstrates the power of low-cost air quality sensors during volcanic eruption.
Ozone-depleting chemicals may spend less time in the atmosphere than previously thought
New results point to unexpected, illegal production of several CFCs in recent years.
Study predicts the oceans will start emitting ozone-depleting CFCs
As atmospheric concentrations of CFC-11 drop, the global ocean should become a source of the chemical by the middle of next century.
Reductions in CFC-11 emissions put ozone recovery back on track
Scientists observe reduction in emissions of banned ozone-depleting chemical after unexpected spike.