Climate Scientist Susan Solomon: ‘Let’s Not Give Up Now – We’re Right on the Cusp of Success’
Background and Achievements
Susan Solomon, a renowned climate scientist born in Chicago, obtained her PhD in atmospheric chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. She is celebrated for her pivotal work in the 1980s that demonstrated how human-made chemicals were depleting the Earth's ozone layer. This research underpinned the 1989 Montreal Protocol, which successfully eliminated 99% of harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Solomon is now a professor at MIT and the author of several books, including her latest, Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do It Again, which draws lessons from past environmental successes to address the climate crisis.
Inspiration and Career Path
Solomon was inspired by Jacques Cousteau's explorations but found her passion in chemistry rather than biology. Her interest in planetary atmospheres led her to focus on atmospheric chemistry, where she made groundbreaking contributions.
The Ozone Layer and Its Importance
The ozone layer is crucial for life on Earth as it protects against harmful ultraviolet light from the sun. In the 1980s, it became evident that CFCs used in aerosols and refrigerators were depleting this protective layer. Human activities had increased atmospheric chlorine levels, primarily from CFCs, which posed a severe threat to the ozone layer and, consequently, to life on Earth.
Rapid Response to the Ozone Crisis
Despite the global scale of the issue, the response to the ozone crisis was swift. The chemical industry’s relatively small size at the time made it easier to address compared to today's vast fossil fuel industry. Public and consumer actions, such as switching from spray cans to roll-on deodorants, significantly impacted the market and facilitated the transition away from CFCs.
Lessons for the Climate Crisis
Solomon emphasizes that regulatory action is essential to address environmental issues, challenging the notion that the market alone can find the best solutions. The concept of "stranded assets" and the increasing role of social choice in investments highlight the growing awareness and power individuals and communities have in driving change.
Optimism Amidst Challenges
While many climate scientists express despair over the likelihood of exceeding temperature targets, Solomon remains optimistic. She points to the falling prices of solar energy and batteries as signs of significant progress. She believes that the Paris Agreement has set a trajectory that will prevent temperatures from rising beyond 3°C and sees potential for staying within 2°C given current advancements in clean energy.
Collective Action as a Key to Success
Solomon stresses the importance of collective action in addressing the climate crisis. Historical environmental successes have often been driven by grassroots movements and public pressure, which remain crucial today. She encourages continued effort, asserting that we are on the verge of significant success in combating climate change.
The Current State of the Ozone Layer
The Montreal Protocol has been a massive success, with CFC levels now declining. This agreement not only protected the ozone layer but also contributed to mitigating climate change, as CFCs are potent greenhouse gases. Without the protocol, the world would be facing an additional degree of warming by 2050, making the 2°C target even more challenging to achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did Susan Solomon discover about the ozone layer? A1: Solomon discovered that human-made chemicals, particularly CFCs, were depleting the ozone layer, leading to the formation of the ozone hole.
Q2: How did the Montreal Protocol help the environment? A2: The Montreal Protocol successfully eliminated 99% of CFCs, protecting the ozone layer and preventing additional global warming due to these potent greenhouse gases.
Q3: Why is Susan Solomon optimistic about tackling climate change? A3: Solomon cites the rapid advancements in renewable energy technologies and the historical success of the Montreal Protocol as reasons for optimism.
Q4: What role does collective action play in addressing climate change? A4: Collective action has historically driven significant environmental successes, and it remains crucial for pushing for policies and changes needed to combat climate change.
Q5: What is the current state of the ozone layer? A5: Thanks to the Montreal Protocol, CFC levels are declining, leading to the recovery of the ozone layer, which continues to protect life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
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- #ClimateChange
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