Veerabhadran Ramanathan Crafoord Prize 2026 highlights the Indian-origin scientist’s landmark contribution to climate science, global warming research, and international environmental policy—important for UPSC, SSC, and PSC exams.
Indian-Origin Scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan Wins Crafoord Prize 2026
Introduction: A Historic Scientific Achievement
Indian-origin climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has been conferred the 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific awards. Often described as the “Nobel Prize of Geosciences”, this honour recognises exceptional contributions in fields not covered by Nobel Prizes — including geosciences, biosciences, and mathematics. The award was presented by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in recognition of Ramanathan’s groundbreaking research that transformed our understanding of global warming and atmospheric science.
Who Is Veerabhadran Ramanathan?
Veerabhadran Ramanathan is an Indian-origin climate scientist, born in southern India, who became internationally renowned for his pioneering work in climate science. With affiliations spanning decades at prominent research institutions, including NASA and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ramanathan’s research helped reshape global scientific understanding of how human activities affect the Earth’s climate system.
Key Contributions to Climate Science
Ramanathan’s most influential scientific discovery came in 1975 while working at NASA: he revealed that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) — chemicals widely used in refrigeration and aerosols — trap heat in the atmosphere up to 10,000 times more effectively than carbon dioxide. This discovery expanded climate science beyond carbon dioxide, highlighting the role of other greenhouse gases and short-lived climate pollutants in global warming.
Over decades, his research extended to aerosols and what he termed “atmospheric brown clouds” — dense pollution layers affecting weather, monsoon patterns, and glacier melt. Ramanathan’s work laid the foundation for international climate strategies that address multiple pollutants alongside carbon emissions.
Impact on Global Policy and Science
Beyond the laboratory, Ramanathan also influenced climate policy. His research findings have guided international environmental treaties, including the Montreal Protocol, which successfully phased out many ozone-depleting substances. His contributions bridged scientific understanding with policy action, showing how reductions in certain pollutants can yield near-term climate benefits.
Recognition and Global Importance
The Crafoord Prize awarded to Ramanathan not only honours his scientific achievements but underscores the growing global emphasis on climate research and the urgent need to understand multifaceted drivers of climate change. It highlights India’s significant contribution to climate science through its diaspora.
Why This News Is Important
Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
This news holds special significance for students preparing for competitive exams such as SSC, UPSC (PCS/IAS), banking, railways, teaching, police services, and defence services:
1. Science & Technology Awareness
Understanding the Crafoord Prize and its linkage with climate science expands an aspirant’s grasp of international scientific awards and their importance — a frequent topic in General Studies and Science & Technology sections.
2. Climate Change & Environmental Governance
Ramanathan’s research addresses global warming, atmospheric science, and international protocols like the Montreal Protocol. These topics are key areas in Environment & Ecology sections of exams such as UPSC Prelims and Mains.
3. International Recognition of Indian Scientists
Such achievements showcase India’s global scientific stature, aligning with questions on India’s contributions to international research and science diplomacy.
4. Policy Implications
The impact on global climate policy offers insights into how scientific discoveries influence international treaties and governance — useful for essays and descriptive answers in civil services exams.
Historical Context: Background of the Crafoord Prize and Ramanathan’s Science
The Crafoord Prize
The Crafoord Prize was established by Swedish industrialist Holger Crafoord and his wife Anna-Greta Crafoord in 1980. Administered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, it honours achievement in scientific disciplines not covered by Nobel Prizes, including geosciences and biosciences. This rotational prize signifies international recognition of research fields critical to humanity’s development.
Ramanathan’s Scientific Odyssey
Born in India in 1944, Ramanathan pursued engineering and later advanced studies in the United States. His early work on refrigerants unexpectedly led him to question existing climate models. In 1975, his discovery that CFCs are potent heat-trapping gases marked a paradigm shift in climate science. His long career included satellite data analysis, climate modelling, and impactful field experiments that linked atmospheric pollutants to global climate trends. Over decades, his research transitioned climate science from a carbon-centric view to a broader understanding of multiple greenhouse gases and atmospheric particles.
Key Takeaways from “Veerabhadran Ramanathan Wins Crafoord Prize 2026”
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions for Competitive Exams
Q1. Who won the Crafoord Prize 2026 in Geosciences?
Veerabhadran Ramanathan, an Indian-origin climate scientist, won the Crafoord Prize 2026 in Geosciences for his pioneering research on global warming and atmospheric science.
Q2. Why is the Crafoord Prize important for exams?
The Crafoord Prize is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Geosciences”. Questions on international scientific awards frequently appear in UPSC, PSCs, SSC, Railways, and Banking exams.
Q3. Which institution awards the Crafoord Prize?
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards the Crafoord Prize.
Q4. Which discovery made Veerabhadran Ramanathan famous?
He discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are powerful greenhouse gases that trap heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide.
Q5. How is Ramanathan’s work linked to climate change policies?
His research influenced international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, which helped reduce ozone-depleting substances and slow global warming.
Q6. What are “short-lived climate pollutants”?
They are pollutants like CFCs and black carbon that remain in the atmosphere for a shorter time but have a strong warming effect—an area strongly linked to Ramanathan’s research.
Q7. Why is this news important for UPSC Environment & Ecology?
It connects scientific discovery, climate change, international treaties, and policy implementation, making it highly relevant for Prelims, Mains, and essays.
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