Scientists caution against ozone monitoring cuts

Scientists say an unusually prolonged period of extremely low temperatures in a part of the atmosphere called the stratosphere caused a record ozone loss over the Arctic. (Beth Ipsen/Arctic Sounder/Associated Press)


Prof. Thomas Duck, an expert in polar atmospheric research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, was one of the scientists who met over breakfast with 30 MPs and senators Tuesday in Ottawa to talk about Canada's role in monitoring the ozone layer and to explain the surprise discovery of a huge hole over the Arctic.

"Our visit comes at a time when the government is considering cuts to Environment Canada that will impact programs that  protect the health and safety of Canadians," Duck told journalists after the breakfast.

Scientists discovered a hole in the Arctic's ozone layer for the first time in March. The ozone is located high in the atmosphere over the Earth and acts as sunscreen for harmful radiation that can cause skin cancer and harm crops.






Ozone levels have been fluctuating over Antarctic for decades, but this is the first time it's happened over the Northern Hemisphere, where more people live.


Duck said the message to the MPs and senators Tuesday was to not rush into cuts.

"We are very concerned about proposed changes that we are hearing to environmental monitoring efforts at Environment Canada. We'd ask they consider these things very, very carefully and  also consult broadly on that particularly with members of the international community," he said.

Ozone monitoring uses Canadian inventions

Canada is an international leader in ozone monitoring.


Environment Minister Peter Kent has said in the past his department is streamlining as part of the government's overall spending review and that no decision has been made yet about jobs.

Liberal MP Kirsty Duncan, who organized the meeting between the scientists and politicians, wants to help the government rethink its approach.

"These cuts could have a long-term effect, we have to think carefully because [otherwise] this scientific expertise will be lost."