Veerabhadran Ramanathan, an esteemed Indian American climate scientist, has been awarded the prestigious Crafoord Prize for his groundbreaking research on climate pollutants and their impact on the atmosphere.
Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a prominent Indian American climate scientist affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Crafoord Prize, one of the most esteemed awards in the scientific community.
The Crafoord Prize is awarded collaboratively by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Crafoord Foundation in Lund, Sweden. Ramanathan will receive the prize, valued at eight million Swedish kronor (approximately $900,000), during the “Crafoord Days” events scheduled for May 18-20, 2026, in Lund and Stockholm, as announced in a university release.
Upon learning of his selection, Ramanathan expressed his gratitude, stating he was “speechless and humbled.” He emphasized the significance of the award, particularly as it recognizes climate research during a time when the subject has become increasingly contentious. “This prize, since it is given by the same science academy that gives the Nobel Prize, is an overwhelming confirmation that climate science is based on fundamental scientific principles backed by impeccable observations,” said Ramanathan, who serves as a distinguished professor emeritus of atmospheric and climate sciences at Scripps Oceanography.
The prize committee acknowledged Ramanathan’s substantial contributions to the field, particularly his research that has enhanced understanding of how aerosol particles and other climate pollutants affect the atmospheric energy balance and the Earth system. This knowledge is vital for both comprehending and addressing climate change.
Ilona Riipinen, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Stockholm University and a member of the Crafoord Prize Committee for Geosciences, remarked, “He has expanded our view of how humankind is affecting the atmosphere’s composition, the climate and air quality, and how these three interact.”
Born in 1944 in Chennai, India, Ramanathan earned his PhD in 1974 from the State University of New York. In 1975, he made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the super-greenhouse effect of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), demonstrating that these chemicals—commonly used in refrigeration and aerosol sprays—are approximately 10,000 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping thermal energy, or infrared radiation.
This pivotal finding highlighted the importance of atmospheric chemistry within the climate system and paved the way for the identification of additional “super pollutants,” including methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and nitrous oxide.
In the 1980s, Ramanathan played a crucial role in NASA’s efforts to utilize satellites for measuring Earth’s energy budget, which involves the balance between solar energy reaching Earth and the heat that is emitted back into space. His research indicated that pollutants disrupt this energy balance, leading to climate changes. The findings revealed that greenhouse gases from human activities are increasingly trapping re-radiated energy in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Ramanathan joined Scripps Oceanography in 1990, having already established himself as a leading figure in climate science. His research at Scripps focused on the impact of HFCs—replacements for CFCs—on both the ozone layer and climate, as well as various forms of atmospheric aerosols.
In a significant study conducted in the Indian Ocean, Ramanathan and his team discovered elevated levels of air pollution even in remote areas. They found that certain dark aerosols, such as soot particles, absorb radiation and contribute to significant atmospheric heating and reduced sunlight at the surface, thereby affecting the hydrological cycle.
Ramanathan’s research also identified soot particles as a major contributor to the melting of Himalayan glaciers. This work has had far-reaching implications, influencing international agreements aimed at reducing short-lived climate pollutants through initiatives like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, led by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Throughout his career, Ramanathan has influenced a wide range of individuals, from policymakers to religious leaders. In 2004, he was appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences by Pope John Paul II and has since served four popes, including Pope Leo. He was recognized as the science advisor to Pope Francis’ Holy See delegation at the landmark 2015 Paris climate summit and has also provided counsel to former California Governor Jerry Brown.
In addition to his extensive research, Ramanathan collaborated with UC San Diego Professor Fonna Forman to create “Bending the Curve,” an educational initiative aimed at promoting climate literacy and scalable solutions for individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds.
Ramanathan’s contributions to climate science have garnered widespread recognition. He has been elected to both the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. In 2013, he was named a UN Climate Champion, and in 2018, he shared the Tang Prize in Sustainable Development with fellow climate scientist James Hansen. His accolades also include the Blue Planet Prize, awarded in 2021, which is an international environmental honor.
Ramanathan’s groundbreaking work continues to shape the understanding of climate science and its implications for the future of our planet, reinforcing the urgent need for action against climate change.
According to The American Bazaar.