Sweden
Indian-American Scientist Dr. Veerabhadran Ramanathan Wins Prestigious Crafoord Prize for Climate Research: Indian-American climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a pioneer in atmospheric and climate sciences, has been awarded the prestigious Crafoord Prize in Geosciences by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for his groundbreaking work on climate change. The prize, one of the world’s most respected scientific honors, carries a cash award of eight million Swedish kronor.
Born in Chennai, India, in 1944, Veerabhadran Ramanathan earned his PhD in 1974 from the State University of New York. Over a distinguished career spanning five decades, he has become one of the most influential voices in global climate science.
Professor Ramanathan was recognized “for fundamental contributions to our understanding of how aerosol particles and other climate pollutants influence the atmospheric energy balance and the Earth system.” His work has fundamentally reshaped global understanding of climate change by demonstrating that carbon dioxide alone is not responsible for global warming—other gases and tiny particles known as aerosols also play a critical role.
Currently a Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) of Atmospheric and Climate Sciences at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, Ramanathan has laid the foundation for modern climate science by explaining how small particles and trace gases accumulate in the atmosphere and trap heat, altering Earth’s energy balance.
Expanding the Climate Lens
“He has expanded our view of how humankind is affecting the atmosphere’s composition, the climate and air quality, and how these three interact,” said Ilona Riipinen, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Stockholm University and a member of the Crafoord Prize Committee for Geosciences.
Ramanathan has been a central figure in climate science since the 1980s, when he played a key role in NASA’s satellite-based measurements of Earth’s energy budget—the balance between incoming solar radiation and heat radiated back into space. His research showed that greenhouse gases from human activities trap increasing amounts of heat, accelerating global warming.
He was also among the first scientists to reveal that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—once commonly used in refrigerators and aerosol sprays—not only damaged the ozone layer but also contributed significantly to climate warming.
Aerosols and the Indian Ocean Experiment
One of Ramanathan’s most influential contributions involved the study of aerosols, tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere. In a large-scale experiment over the Indian Ocean, his team discovered surprisingly high levels of pollution far from land. Dark aerosols such as soot were found to absorb sunlight, warming the atmosphere and altering weather patterns.
This research highlighted how local pollution can have global climate consequences, reinforcing the interconnected nature of Earth’s climate system.
From Science to Policy
Ramanathan’s findings have had immense practical and policy significance, forming the scientific basis for international environmental agreements and influencing leaders across the world—from policymakers to religious figures.
“His quiet but effective way of communicating has been key to involving both the research community and decision-makers,” said Örjan Gustafsson, Professor of Biogeochemistry at Stockholm University. “With a deep concern for the most vulnerable people on our planet and strong support for young researchers, he has inspired an entire generation of climate scientists.”
Building Trust in Climate Science
Reacting to the honor, Professor Ramanathan said the award was especially meaningful at a time when climate science is often debated in the public sphere.
“This prize shows that climate science is based on the best possible observations and fundamental principles of physics and chemistry,” he said. “It gives me a forum to talk about the science of climate change and to build public trust in climate research.”
About the Crafoord Prize
The Crafoord Prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in partnership with the Crafoord Foundation of Lund, Sweden. The disciplines rotate annually and include mathematics and astronomy, geosciences, biosciences, and polyarthritis research. The 2026 Crafoord Prize has been awarded in geosciences.
The prize will be formally presented to Professor Ramanathan by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during the Crafoord Days, to be held in Lund and Stockholm from May 18–20.
With this recognition, Veerabhadran Ramanathan joins an elite group of scientists whose work has profoundly shaped humanity’s understanding of the planet—and how to protect it.
