Veerabhadran Ramanathan and the Nobel of Geosciences

A scientist who transformed how the world understands climate change has received one of the highest honours in Earth sciences. At 81, Veerabhadran Ramanathan, an Indian-origin atmospheric scientist, has won the prestigious Crafoord Prize, often described as the “Nobel of Geosciences”. His research reshaped climate science and directly influenced global environmental policy.

Early life and academic journey

Born and raised in southern India, Ramanathan studied engineering in Bengaluru before moving to the United States in his twenties for higher education. His early professional life included work in the refrigeration industry, where he examined cooling gases for leaks. This practical exposure to industrial chemicals later proved crucial in shaping his scientific curiosity and research direction.

Discovery of the warming power of trace gases

During the 1970s, while working at NASA’s Langley Research Center, Ramanathan identified the powerful heat-trapping nature of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). His landmark 1975 paper in “Science” demonstrated that a single CFC molecule could warm the planet thousands of times more than carbon dioxide. This was the first clear evidence that gases other than CO₂ could drive global warming.

Shaping climate policy through science

Ramanathan’s later work showed that trace gases such as methane and nitrous oxide could accelerate warming far faster than previously estimated. His findings were instrumental in building the scientific case for the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which phased out CFCs globally and is credited with preventing significant additional warming.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Crafoord Prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
• CFCs are both ozone-depleting substances and powerful greenhouse gases.
• The Montreal Protocol is considered one of the most successful environmental treaties.
• Atmospheric brown clouds affect monsoon patterns and regional climate.

Science, ethics, and climate leadership

Beyond theoretical work, Ramanathan used satellites, balloons, and ships to study the atmosphere directly. He led pioneering research on atmospheric brown clouds over South Asia, revealing how pollution can temporarily mask warming while harming health. As a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, he has advised three popes, linking climate science with ethics and social justice.