Description

Add as a preferred source on Google

A pioneering scientist whose work fundamentally changed the world’s understanding of climate change has been awarded one of the most prestigious honours in Earth sciences. At 81, Indian-origin atmospheric scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has received the Crafoord Prize, often regarded as the “Nobel of Geosciences”. His groundbreaking research reshaped climate science and played a decisive role in shaping global environmental policy.

Early life and academic path

Ramanathan was born and brought up in southern India, where he initially studied engineering in Bengaluru. In his twenties, he moved to the United States to pursue advanced studies. Early in his career, he worked in the refrigeration industry, analysing cooling gases and tracking leaks. This hands-on experience with industrial chemicals later sparked the scientific questions that would define his career.

Revealing the warming impact of trace gases

In the 1970s, while working at NASA’s Langley Research Center, Ramanathan made a crucial discovery about the heat-trapping potential of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). His landmark 1975 paper published in Science showed that a single CFC molecule could trap thousands of times more heat than carbon dioxide. This study provided the first clear proof that gases other than CO? could significantly contribute to global warming.

From research to global climate policy

Ramanathan’s subsequent research demonstrated that trace gases such as methane and nitrous oxide could drive warming much more rapidly than scientists had previously believed. His findings helped establish the scientific foundation for the 1987 Montreal Protocol, an international agreement that phased out CFCs worldwide and is widely credited with preventing substantial additional global warming.

Science, ethics, and climate leadership

Beyond theoretical research, Ramanathan conducted extensive real-world atmospheric studies using satellites, balloons, and research vessels. He led influential studies on atmospheric brown clouds over South Asia, showing how pollution can temporarily obscure global warming while causing severe health damage. As a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, he has advised three popes, bridging climate science with ethical responsibility and social justice.

Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.

For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section