Prof John Pyle, Dr Neil Harris and colleagues named finalists for NERC Impact Awards

Prof John Pyle, Dr Neil Harris and colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science have been named finalists for the NERC Impact Awards-International Impact in recognition of the exceptional economic and/or societal impact their atmospheric research has had outside of the UK.

The NERC announcement is below:

• Healing the ozone hole to save our skin

  Atmospheric research by Professor John Pyle, Dr Neil Harris and colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science has played a leading role in demonstrating the effect of man-made gases on the ozone layer, and the consequences for human health. Their contributions played a key part in the strengthening of the Montreal Protocol, widely regarded as one of the most successful international agreements ever enacted. The protocol, along with other pieces of related legislation, has ensured the rapid phase-out of ozone depleting substances. As a result, the hole in the ozone now appears to be slowly closing, preventing a number of UV-related health problems worldwide, including skin cancer, sunburn and cataracts.