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| Image Source - Google | Image by - MIT News |
Mario Molina was a renowned Mexican chemist who made significant contributions to the field of atmospheric chemistry. Born on March 19, 1943, in Mexico City, Molina was fascinated by the natural world from a young age. He pursued his passion for chemistry by studying at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Molina went on to complete his graduate studies in chemistry at the University of Freiburg in Germany, before earning a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.
Molina's work in atmospheric chemistry focused on the effects of human-made chemicals on the environment, particularly in relation to the formation and decomposition of ozone. In 1973, he began working with his colleague Sherwood Rowland on the effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the Earth's ozone layer. CFCs were widely used in refrigerants, solvents, and aerosol sprays at the time, and Molina and Rowland discovered that these chemicals were destroying ozone molecules in the Earth's atmosphere. They published their findings in a series of papers, which drew widespread attention and concern.
Their research ultimately led to the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, an international agreement aimed at phasing out the use of ozone-depleting chemicals. The protocol was a landmark achievement in the global effort to protect the environment, and it remains one of the most successful international agreements ever signed.
Molina's contributions to environmental science were widely recognized. In 1995, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, together with Rowland and Paul Crutzen, for their work on atmospheric chemistry. Molina was the first Mexican citizen to win the Nobel Prize in any field, and he used his platform to advocate for environmental protection and sustainability.
Throughout his career, Molina continued to conduct research and raise awareness about environmental issues. He served as a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, and was a member of numerous scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. He also served on several advisory panels and committees for organizations such as the United Nations and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Molina received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and the environment, including the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Japan Prize. He was also a member of the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest honor awarded to non-Mexican citizens by the Mexican government.
Molina passed away on October 7, 2020, at the age of 77. His legacy as a pioneer in environmental science and a passionate advocate for the planet lives on. Molina's work serves as a reminder of the power of science to drive positive change and inspire us to protect our planet for future generations.
