An atmospheric scientist in the School of Physical & Chemical Sciences at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), Dr Revell is renowned for her expertise in chemistry-climate interactions and has made significant strides in understanding how the ozone layer is impacted by human activities, including from greenhouse gas emissions and an increased frequency of rocket launches.
Her appointment to the IO3C for the 2024-2028 term, announced at the recent Quadrennial Ozone Symposium in Boulder, Colorado, marks a notable achievement for Aotearoa New Zealand’s wider scientific community. Dr Revell is the only New Zealand representative on the IO3C for this term, underscoring her prominence in the field.
Founded in 1948, the IO3C is a key organisation in coordinating global efforts to study the ozone layer through ground-based and satellite measurements. This role is vital for protecting Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation and understanding its effects on the climate system.
“Despite the success of the Montreal Protocol in banning ozone-depleting chemicals such as CFCs, we’re entering an unusual era in which lots of factors could act to slow down ozone recovery,” Dr Revell says.
“Recently we’ve seen massive wildfires in Australia contribute to depletion of the ozone layer over the Southern Hemisphere, along with effects from volcanic eruptions. Together with the ways in which humans are changing the composition of the atmosphere – such as greenhouse gas emissions, rocket launches, and global discussion of ‘geoengineering’ methods to offset climate change – it is still critical that we pay attention to protection of the ozone layer.
“In the last four years alone we’ve seen unusual behaviour in the Antarctic ozone hole, with it closing much later in the year than normal, and potentially impacting Antarctic ecosystems. I’m honoured to be elected to the International Ozone Commission and to contribute to stewardship efforts for this vital planetary boundary.”
Ozone plays an important role in protecting the Earth from harmful levels of ultraviolet solar radiation and has a role as a greenhouse gas in the Earth's climate system. The ozone layer is protected by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987), which is considered one of the most successful environmental agreements of all time.
For more on her influential research, check out:
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