Distinguished UC San Diego Climate Scientist Awarded Crafoord Prize

Ramanathan joined Scripps Oceanography in 1990, having already earned a reputation as a leading climate scientist. His research at Scripps explored how HFCs, the replacement for CFCs, affect not only the ozone layer but the climate as well, and he continued to investigate various forms of atmospheric aerosols. 

In a large experiment in the Indian Ocean, Ramanathan and his colleagues observed high levels of air pollution, even far out at sea. They found that some of these dark aerosols, such as soot particles, absorb radiation and can contribute to significant heating of the atmosphere and the dimming of sunlight at the surface, thus impacting the hydrological cycle. He also showed that these soot particles are a major factor in the melting of Himalayan glaciers. 

This research has had a significant impact and formed the basis for international agreements, including efforts to reduce short-lived climate pollutants through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition led by the United Nations Environment Programme. 

Over the course of his career, Ramanathan has also influenced many people, from politicians to popes. In 2004, he was named to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences by Pope John Paul II, and in this capacity, has served four popes, including Pope Leo. He was honored as the science advisor to Pope Francis’ Holy See delegation at the historic 2015 Paris climate summit and also advised former California Governor Jerry Brown. 

“His quiet but effective way of communicating has been key to involving both the research community and decision-makers. With an eye for the most vulnerable on our planet and an ear for younger researchers, he has inspired an entire generation of climate scientists,” said Örjan Gustafsson, professor of biogeochemistry at Stockholm University.

In addition to his scientific research, Ramanathan worked with UC San Diego Professor Fonna Forman to develop and launch “Bending the Curve,” a University of California-led educational initiative that teaches climate literacy and scalable solutions to people of all ages and educational backgrounds. 

Ramanathan has been widely recognized for his contributions to climate science. He has been elected to both the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and in 2013, was named a UN Climate Champion. In 2018, he shared the Tang Prize in Sustainable Development with fellow climate scientist James Hansen, and in 2021, he received the Blue Planet Prize, an international environmental award.

Ramanathan is the second researcher from Scripps Oceanography to win the Crafoord Prize, the first being oceanographer Walter Munk, awarded in 2010.

The Crafoord Prize is awarded in partnership between the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Crafoord Foundation in Lund, Sweden. Winners receive eight million Swedish kronor (approximately $900,000). The prize fund was established in 1980 through a donation to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences from Anna-Greta and Holger Crafoord. First awarded in 1982, the prize recognizes achievements in rotating categories: mathematics and astronomy, polyarthritis (systemic diseases that cause joint inflammation), geosciences, and biosciences.

The prize will be presented during the “Crafoord Days” events, held in Lund and Stockholm from May 18-20, 2026.

– Adapted from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences