Indian-origin climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences, often described as the “Nobel Prize of Geosciences.” The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences honored him for his groundbreaking research that transformed global understanding of climate change — highlighting how atmospheric pollutants affect the Earth’s energy balance.
A Journey From India to Global Recognition
Born in Madurai and raised in Chennai, Ramanathan’s early education in India laid the foundation for a remarkable scientific journey. After graduating from Annamalai University and the Indian Institute of Science, he moved to the United States, where he became a distinguished professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego.
Scientific Breakthroughs That Changed Climate Science
Ramanathan’s key discovery in 1975 showed that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) — chemicals widely used in refrigeration and aerosols — trap heat in the atmosphere far more effectively than carbon dioxide. This finding challenged prevailing beliefs that CO₂ was the dominant driver of global warming and broadened scientific focus to include a range of super-pollutants — including methane, black carbon, and short-lived climate pollutants.
His research on atmospheric brown clouds over South Asia — part of the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) — revealed how air pollution affects monsoon patterns and accelerates glacier melt in the Himalayas, linking local environmental issues to global climate systems.
Global Impact and Legacy
In addition to scientific breakthroughs, Ramanathan has advised world leaders and institutions — including the Vatican — on climate ethics and policy. His work underpins key international environmental agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol, which successfully curbed harmful CFC emissions.
The Crafoord Prize comes with a cash award of approximately 8 million Swedish kronor (about USD 900,000) and will be presented at events in Stockholm and Lund in May 2026.
📌 This achievement highlights India’s strong legacy in global science and underscores the value of foundational research in addressing climate crises.