The overall objective of the ACE mission is to improve our understanding of the depletion of the ozone layer, focusing close attention to what is happening over Canada and the Arctic. The Government of Canada is working with the international scientific community to determine the extent and causes of atmospheric changes that threaten human health and safety. Sound scientific data is essential to finding effective solutions to problems such as depletion of the ozone layer and climate change. Environment Canada s studies of the ozone layer, which began over 50 years ago, support a worldwide research and atmospheric monitoring program. And, through the leadership of the Canadian Space Agency, Canada is also involved in research studying the ozone layer from space.
Canadian scientists are world leaders in studies of the atmosphere related to ozone depletion.
This instrument will also measure the global amount of ozone and its findings will be compared with the ACE mission results. Canadian scientists first started measuring ozone levels over Canada in the 1930s. In the 1980s, this continued research led to the discovery that the ozone layer over Canada was being depleted. Scientists have found indications that over the past 20 years the total average ozone level over Canada has declined by six per cent. Of additional concern is the severe 20-40 per cent ozone depletion observed in the Arctic in early spring.