Veerabhadran Ramanathan, an Indian-origin climate scientist, has just been awarded the prestigious 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Known as the “Nobel of Geosciences,” this prize honors his extensive work on super-pollutants and atmospheric brown clouds, which have drastically changed how we understand global warming.
At 82, Ramanathan’s journey in climate science began with a significant discovery in 1975 while working at NASA. He found that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) trap heat in the atmosphere much more effectively than carbon dioxide—up to 10,000 times more! Before this, scientists mainly focused on CO₂ as the primary driver of global warming. “I was shocked at the capacity of technology and human beings to change the environment,” he reflected on that pivotal moment.
Ramanathan grew up in Madurai and later moved to Chennai. As an engineer in a refrigerator factory, he first encountered CFCs. His education at Annamalai University and the Indian Institute of Science laid a solid foundation for his groundbreaking work. One of his major contributions was the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX), which studied atmospheric brown clouds over South Asia, linking air pollution to a weakened Indian Monsoon and the accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Currently a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Ramanathan has also advised world leaders, including discussions on climate ethics with the Vatican. His research has been vital in shaping international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, which has led to the reduction of millions of tons of harmful emissions.
The Crafoord Prize includes a cash award of 8 million Swedish kronor (about $900,000) and a gold medal. The ceremony will occur in Stockholm and Lund during Crafoord Days in May 2026.
Recent studies show that air pollution, particularly from black carbon—part of the so-called “super-pollutants”—can have a significant impact on climate. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is linked to around 7 million deaths each year, emphasizing the relevance of Ramanathan’s work. Social media has also seen an increase in discussions around climate change, with users sharing their concerns and solutions, creating a community that advocates for stronger policy measures.
Ramanathan’s story is a reminder of how individual efforts can influence global change. As we face climate challenges today, his insights into the interactions between human activity and our environment continue to resonate.
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