James R. Killian, Jr. Faculty Achievement Award Lecture

Susan Solomon

Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies

Captioned webcast with ASL interpretation

The Antarctic Ozone Hole: A Global Success Story of Science and Policy

The 1985 discovery of a massive hole in the Antarctic ozone layer shocked the world and led to remarkable changes in environmental science, public understanding, and policy. In this talk, atmospheric chemist Professor Susan Solomon—recognized by the Killian Award Selection Committee for her scientific contributions and her leadership in the policy aspects of climate change—will briefly summarize how scientific discoveries led to a new understanding of the chemistry that controls the ozone layer, our planet’s essential “sunscreen” against damaging ultraviolet light from the sun. She will also describe how the nations of the world came together in an international process that has now effectively phased out the production of ozone-depleting chemicals. Lastly, Professor Solomon will discuss some of the evidence that the ozone layer is slowly beginning to heal.

The Killian Lecture will take place online at 4 pm EDT on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. All members of the MIT community are invited; no registration is required. Participants will have an opportunity to submit questions for Professor Solomon during the lecture. Contact

About the James R. Killian Faculty Achievement Award and Lecture Series: The purpose of the Killian Award is to recognize extraordinary professional achievement by MIT faculty members and to communicate their accomplishments to members of the Institute community. The recipient of the Killian Award holds the title of Killian Award Lecturer for the following academic year and presents, during that time, one or more lectures to the MIT community on his or her own professional activities. The Killian Award selection is made by faculty members elected by vote of the Faculty from a slate prepared by the Faculty Nominations Committee. Visit the Killian Award and Lecture site.

Photo: Justin Knight