Leading researcher on Antarctic ozone hole, discovering its cause and advocating for the Montreal Protocol to ban ozone-depleting substances.
Susan Solomon is an American atmospheric chemist renowned for proposing the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) free radical reaction mechanism, which is the primary cause of the Antarctic ozone hole. This groundbreaking discovery has made her a leading figure in the field of atmospheric chemistry, earning her numerous accolades and recognition.
Solomon's fascination with science began at a young age, inspired by watching The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. Her curiosity and talent led her to place third in a national science competition during high school, where she measured the percentage of oxygen in a gas mixture.
Solomon received her bachelor's degree in chemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1977. She then pursued her master's degree in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1979, followed by a Ph.D. in atmospheric chemistry in 1981.
Solomon's illustrious career spans over three decades, with significant contributions to the field of atmospheric chemistry. She was the head of the Chemistry and Climate Processes Group of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chemical Sciences Division until 2011. In 2011, she joined the faculty of the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Solomon's outstanding contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognition, including:
Solomon married Barry Sidwell in 1988 and is of Jewish descent.
Solomon has authored an acclaimed book, The Coldest March: Scott's Fatal Antarctic Expedition, which tells the tale of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated expedition to Antarctica.
Solomon's pioneering work on the ozone layer has significantly advanced our understanding of atmospheric chemistry, paving the way for further research and policy changes to mitigate the effects of ozone depletion. Her contributions have inspired a new generation of scientists, cementing her place as one of the most influential women in science.
Susan Solomon's remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to uncovering the secrets of our atmosphere, making her a true champion of atmospheric chemistry.
92 Years Old
A Nobel Prize-winning chemist and engineer who discovered the ozone hole and coined the term "Anthropocene" to describe humanity's impact on the environment.
83 Years Old
A Mexican chemist and Nobel laureate who discovered the Antarctic ozone hole and pioneered research on the depletion of the ozone layer, contributing significantly to our understanding of climate change.
78 Years Old
The 45th Vice President of the United States and Nobel Prize laureate is a prominent advocate for environmental protection, particularly climate change awareness, and has produced influential documentaries on the subject.
83 Years Old
Acclaimed filmmaker behind gritty, stylish, and intense crime dramas and thrillers, often exploring themes of morality and redemption. Known for iconic films like "Heat" and "Collateral".
67 Years Old
A historian of science who has written extensively on the history of geology and plate tectonics, and is known for her work on the history of climate change denial.
