San Diego, California — At 82, Indian-origin scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has achieved one of the highest honors in climate science, winning the prestigious 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
His groundbreaking work on how atmospheric particles and gases contribute to climate change has fundamentally transformed our understanding of global warming and shaped international climate policies.
Key Facts
• Ramanathan discovered the greenhouse effect of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in 1975, revealing they trap heat 10,000 times more effectively than carbon dioxide
• The Crafoord Prize carries a monetary award of 8 million Swedish kronor (approximately $750,000 USD), recognizing fundamental contributions to understanding aerosol particles and climate pollutants
• His research directly influenced the Montreal Protocol of 1987 and the creation of the United Nations Climate and Clean Air Coalition, preventing ozone depletion and reducing climate warming simultaneously
Ramanathan's 1975 discovery came while working at NASA, when he noticed something remarkable about CFCs—chemicals commonly used in refrigerators and spray cans. His calculations showed these molecules could trap significantly more heat than anyone previously understood.
The discovery was so significant that it opened an entirely new field of climate science research. For decades, scientists believed only carbon dioxide mattered for global warming, but Ramanathan proved many other substances play equally critical roles.
His work at NASA's climate satellite program in the 1980s revealed that clouds had a net cooling effect on the planet. This finding changed how scientists model Earth's energy balance and predict future climate scenarios.
Ramanathan led an international field experiment in the 1990s with Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen, discovering widespread Atmospheric Brown Clouds over South Asia. These clouds, caused by pollution, have devastating impacts on both climate and public health.
The scientist's influence extends far beyond laboratories and peer-reviewed journals. His quiet but effective communication style has inspired policymakers, religious leaders, and an entire generation of climate researchers worldwide.
Ilona Riipinen, professor of atmospheric sciences at Stockholm University and member of the Crafoord Prize Committee, praised his contributions:
Ramanathan himself emphasized the significance of his award during a time when climate science faces increased scrutiny.
Do You Know?
Ramanathan's CFC discovery was so impactful that preventing continued CFC emissions through the Montreal Protocol has achieved greater climate mitigation than the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change—making it one of humanity's most successful environmental treaties.
Key Terms
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Chemicals once widely used in refrigeration and aerosol spray cans that damage the ozone layer and trap atmospheric heat
• Aerosol Particles: Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere that can reflect or absorb sunlight, affecting both climate and air quality
• Atmospheric Brown Clouds: Layers of pollutants including sulfate, nitrate, and black carbon particles over South Asia that reduce sunlight and affect regional climate and health
• Greenhouse Effect: The process where gases trap heat in the atmosphere, similar to a blanket keeping warmth close to Earth's surface
• Montreal Protocol: International agreement signed in 1987 that successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances including CFCs
Image from Wikimedia Commons