James Anderson

James G. Anderson, born in 1944 in Spokane, Washington, serves as the Philip S. Weld Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at Harvard University since 1982, holding appointments in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His groundbreaking research on atmospheric free radicals and ozone depletion directly shaped the 1987 Montreal Protocol, the first treaty ratified by all countries worldwide to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. His work pioneered ultra-sensitive laser detection techniques capable of measuring concentrations as low as 1 part in 10^14, definitively proving CFCs' role in ozone destruction. Recently, he established revolutionary connections between stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change, particularly through studying how violent thunderstorms transport water vapor into the stratosphere. His research group currently focuses on four key areas: chemical catalysis in the atmosphere, mechanistic links between atmospheric chemistry and climate, development of solar-powered aircraft for climate observation, and fundamental chemical reactivity studies. Beyond research, he has made significant contributions to education through his book "University Chemistry: Frontiers and Foundations from a Global and Molecular Perspective," which contextualizes chemistry within global energy and climate challenges. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous prestigious honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, American Philosophical Society, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences