Mario Molina was a Mexican-American chemist who made important contributions to the understanding of the ozone layer and the dangers of chemical pollutants. He was born on March 19, 1943, in Mexico City, Mexico, and passed away on October 7, 2020, in Mexico City at the age of 77.
Molina earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1965, before moving to the United States to continue his studies. He earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1972.
In 1973, Molina began working as a research scientist at the University of California, Irvine, where he conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the ozone layer. Molina and his colleague, Sherwood Rowland, discovered that CFCs were causing the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Their research helped to bring about the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, an international agreement to phase out the production of ozone-depleting substances. For their work, Molina and Rowland were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995.
Throughout his career, Molina continued to advocate for the protection of the environment and public health. He served on numerous committees and boards, including the United Nations Advisory Group on Greenhouse Gases, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the National Academy of Sciences.
Mario Molina's contributions to our understanding of the ozone layer and the dangers of chemical pollutants have had a profound impact on the world. His work has helped to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection and has led to significant policy changes that have helped to protect the planet and its inhabitants.
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