Veerabhadran Ramanathan, PhD

Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan is a distinguished professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to climate science. In the 1970s, he made significant discoveries regarding the greenhouse effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other trace gases, predicting that global warming would be detectable by the year 2000. He played a key role in identifying Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABCs), demonstrating their detrimental impacts on monsoon patterns and glacial melting in the Himalayas. Dr. Ramanathan's innovative research has led to the development of Project Surya, aimed at reducing soot emissions from bio-fuel cooking in rural India as a means of climate mitigation. His influential work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Tyler Prize and recognition as a Champion of the Earth by the UN. A member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the US National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy, Dr. Ramanathan continues to advocate for effective climate policies and education, making a lasting impact on global efforts to combat climate change.