A color photograph of an older man with glasses, a neatly groomed mustache, and a receding hairline, wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and yellow patterned tie. He has a calm, composed expression, and the warm indoor lighting suggests a formal or professional event. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on his distinguished appearance.
A color photograph of an older man with glasses, a neatly groomed mustache, and a receding hairline, wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and yellow patterned tie. He has a calm, composed expression, and the warm indoor lighting suggests a formal or professional event. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on his distinguished appearance.

Mario Molina

Historical

Historical

Mar 19, 1943

-

Oct 7, 2020

A color photograph of an older man with glasses, a neatly groomed mustache, and a receding hairline, wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and yellow patterned tie. He has a calm, composed expression, and the warm indoor lighting suggests a formal or professional event. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on his distinguished appearance.

Mario Molina

Historical

Historical

Mar 19, 1943

-

Oct 7, 2020

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Mario Molina was a chemist of Mexican origin who provided the world with a wealth of knowledge about ozone thanks to his research on the impact of chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. Molina was born in Mexico City in 1943, and early, he was interested in sciences. He turned his family's bathroom into a laboratory to pursue his dream. His aunt Esther Molina, a professional chemist, encouraged him to develop his passion for science. At 11, he was sent to school in Switzerland, where he learned German and developed an interest in chemistry, though he once wanted to be a musician.

Molina returned to Mexico and did his first degree in chemical engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He then went to Germany for further studies, after which he joined the University of California in Berkeley to undertake a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. During his time at Berkeley, Molina was under the supervision of Professor George C. Pimentel; he learned more about molecular dynamics and chemical reactions. However, his career improved when he moved to F. Sherwood Rowland as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at Irvine. Collectively, they studied the environmental behavior of CFCs and thus found the CFC-ozone depletion hypothesis.

In 1974, Molina and Rowland provided the world with a paper outlining how industries that used CFCs were eradicating the ozone layer. This brought awareness worldwide, and later, the Montreal Protocol, an agreement to ban the use of CFCs. Molina's work brought him, Rowland, and Paul Crutzen the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In his subsequent years of practice, Molina paid much attention to atmospheric chemistry, advancing on climate change and air quality, mainly in Mexico City. He died in 2020, but he will be remembered as a great contributor to the field of environmental science.

Quotes

e Quotes

"This is the kind of question which arises when society discharges something to environment that was not there earlier."

"Science is the collection of facts and information and a particular manner of perceiving and solving problems."

"For future generations to be able to live comfortably, we have to address environmental problems."

"Environmental protection must be grounded in science and not politics," he said.

"The ozone hole discovery was a wakeup call to world countries."

"The fact is that the depletion of the ozone layer is one of the few problems humanity can actually solve and they did."

"Climate change can only be solved with international cooperation."

"That means we cannot sit back idly doing nothing while we continue to exert pressure on the environment."

"The Montreal Protocol is an example of how we can set and achieve environmental goals."

"Saving the planet is not just for scientists, as the movie points out, it is for everyone."

"The earth has an atmosphere which should be preserved."

"We have the tools and knowledge to solve global environmental problems."

"Climate change cannot be ignored; it has to be fought, and it is a moral imperative."

"There is a close relationship between public awareness and environmental action."

"We need to make sure our policies are as informed by science as they can be."

FAQ

What did Mario Molina find out?

Mario Molina shared in winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer.

Why is the ozone layer important?

The ozone layer shields the Earth by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, which would otherwise cause havoc on its surface.

What was the Montreal Protocol?

According to Molina's research, the Montreal Protocol is an agreement that seeks to eliminate ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs.

When was Mario Molina receiving the Nobel Prize?

Molina shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for his efforts in understanding the chemistry behind the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.

What is the theory of CFC-ozone depletion?

According to the theory, CFCs, when emitted into the atmosphere, decompose under the influence of ultraviolet light to liberate chlorine atoms, which in turn destroy ozone molecules.

What role did Mario Molina play in climate change research?

Molina received a chemical engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM, and a doctorate degree in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

Where did Mario Molina study?

Molina received a chemical engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM, and a doctorate degree in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

What are some of the awards received by Mario Molina?

Molina also earned the Nobel Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many other scientific awards for his work in environmental science.

Did Mario Molina work in other fields of science?

Besides the ozone research, Molina actively participated in air quality problems, including the Mexican city's air quality, and consulted leaders on climate measures.

What changes did Molina bring to the application of environmental policies?

Molina's findings have culminated in international instruments such as the Montreal Protocol and influenced how governments manage the environment.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Mario Molina was a chemist of Mexican origin who provided the world with a wealth of knowledge about ozone thanks to his research on the impact of chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. Molina was born in Mexico City in 1943, and early, he was interested in sciences. He turned his family's bathroom into a laboratory to pursue his dream. His aunt Esther Molina, a professional chemist, encouraged him to develop his passion for science. At 11, he was sent to school in Switzerland, where he learned German and developed an interest in chemistry, though he once wanted to be a musician.

Molina returned to Mexico and did his first degree in chemical engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He then went to Germany for further studies, after which he joined the University of California in Berkeley to undertake a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. During his time at Berkeley, Molina was under the supervision of Professor George C. Pimentel; he learned more about molecular dynamics and chemical reactions. However, his career improved when he moved to F. Sherwood Rowland as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at Irvine. Collectively, they studied the environmental behavior of CFCs and thus found the CFC-ozone depletion hypothesis.

In 1974, Molina and Rowland provided the world with a paper outlining how industries that used CFCs were eradicating the ozone layer. This brought awareness worldwide, and later, the Montreal Protocol, an agreement to ban the use of CFCs. Molina's work brought him, Rowland, and Paul Crutzen the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In his subsequent years of practice, Molina paid much attention to atmospheric chemistry, advancing on climate change and air quality, mainly in Mexico City. He died in 2020, but he will be remembered as a great contributor to the field of environmental science.

Quotes

e Quotes

"This is the kind of question which arises when society discharges something to environment that was not there earlier."

"Science is the collection of facts and information and a particular manner of perceiving and solving problems."

"For future generations to be able to live comfortably, we have to address environmental problems."

"Environmental protection must be grounded in science and not politics," he said.

"The ozone hole discovery was a wakeup call to world countries."

"The fact is that the depletion of the ozone layer is one of the few problems humanity can actually solve and they did."

"Climate change can only be solved with international cooperation."

"That means we cannot sit back idly doing nothing while we continue to exert pressure on the environment."

"The Montreal Protocol is an example of how we can set and achieve environmental goals."

"Saving the planet is not just for scientists, as the movie points out, it is for everyone."

"The earth has an atmosphere which should be preserved."

"We have the tools and knowledge to solve global environmental problems."

"Climate change cannot be ignored; it has to be fought, and it is a moral imperative."

"There is a close relationship between public awareness and environmental action."

"We need to make sure our policies are as informed by science as they can be."

FAQ

What did Mario Molina find out?

Mario Molina shared in winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer.

Why is the ozone layer important?

The ozone layer shields the Earth by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, which would otherwise cause havoc on its surface.

What was the Montreal Protocol?

According to Molina's research, the Montreal Protocol is an agreement that seeks to eliminate ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs.

When was Mario Molina receiving the Nobel Prize?

Molina shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for his efforts in understanding the chemistry behind the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.

What is the theory of CFC-ozone depletion?

According to the theory, CFCs, when emitted into the atmosphere, decompose under the influence of ultraviolet light to liberate chlorine atoms, which in turn destroy ozone molecules.

What role did Mario Molina play in climate change research?

Molina received a chemical engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM, and a doctorate degree in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

Where did Mario Molina study?

Molina received a chemical engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM, and a doctorate degree in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

What are some of the awards received by Mario Molina?

Molina also earned the Nobel Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many other scientific awards for his work in environmental science.

Did Mario Molina work in other fields of science?

Besides the ozone research, Molina actively participated in air quality problems, including the Mexican city's air quality, and consulted leaders on climate measures.

What changes did Molina bring to the application of environmental policies?

Molina's findings have culminated in international instruments such as the Montreal Protocol and influenced how governments manage the environment.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Mario Molina was a chemist of Mexican origin who provided the world with a wealth of knowledge about ozone thanks to his research on the impact of chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. Molina was born in Mexico City in 1943, and early, he was interested in sciences. He turned his family's bathroom into a laboratory to pursue his dream. His aunt Esther Molina, a professional chemist, encouraged him to develop his passion for science. At 11, he was sent to school in Switzerland, where he learned German and developed an interest in chemistry, though he once wanted to be a musician.

Molina returned to Mexico and did his first degree in chemical engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He then went to Germany for further studies, after which he joined the University of California in Berkeley to undertake a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. During his time at Berkeley, Molina was under the supervision of Professor George C. Pimentel; he learned more about molecular dynamics and chemical reactions. However, his career improved when he moved to F. Sherwood Rowland as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at Irvine. Collectively, they studied the environmental behavior of CFCs and thus found the CFC-ozone depletion hypothesis.

In 1974, Molina and Rowland provided the world with a paper outlining how industries that used CFCs were eradicating the ozone layer. This brought awareness worldwide, and later, the Montreal Protocol, an agreement to ban the use of CFCs. Molina's work brought him, Rowland, and Paul Crutzen the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In his subsequent years of practice, Molina paid much attention to atmospheric chemistry, advancing on climate change and air quality, mainly in Mexico City. He died in 2020, but he will be remembered as a great contributor to the field of environmental science.

Quotes

e Quotes

"This is the kind of question which arises when society discharges something to environment that was not there earlier."

"Science is the collection of facts and information and a particular manner of perceiving and solving problems."

"For future generations to be able to live comfortably, we have to address environmental problems."

"Environmental protection must be grounded in science and not politics," he said.

"The ozone hole discovery was a wakeup call to world countries."

"The fact is that the depletion of the ozone layer is one of the few problems humanity can actually solve and they did."

"Climate change can only be solved with international cooperation."

"That means we cannot sit back idly doing nothing while we continue to exert pressure on the environment."

"The Montreal Protocol is an example of how we can set and achieve environmental goals."

"Saving the planet is not just for scientists, as the movie points out, it is for everyone."

"The earth has an atmosphere which should be preserved."

"We have the tools and knowledge to solve global environmental problems."

"Climate change cannot be ignored; it has to be fought, and it is a moral imperative."

"There is a close relationship between public awareness and environmental action."

"We need to make sure our policies are as informed by science as they can be."

FAQ

What did Mario Molina find out?

Mario Molina shared in winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) damage the ozone layer.

Why is the ozone layer important?

The ozone layer shields the Earth by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, which would otherwise cause havoc on its surface.

What was the Montreal Protocol?

According to Molina's research, the Montreal Protocol is an agreement that seeks to eliminate ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs.

When was Mario Molina receiving the Nobel Prize?

Molina shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for his efforts in understanding the chemistry behind the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.

What is the theory of CFC-ozone depletion?

According to the theory, CFCs, when emitted into the atmosphere, decompose under the influence of ultraviolet light to liberate chlorine atoms, which in turn destroy ozone molecules.

What role did Mario Molina play in climate change research?

Molina received a chemical engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM, and a doctorate degree in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

Where did Mario Molina study?

Molina received a chemical engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM, and a doctorate degree in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

What are some of the awards received by Mario Molina?

Molina also earned the Nobel Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many other scientific awards for his work in environmental science.

Did Mario Molina work in other fields of science?

Besides the ozone research, Molina actively participated in air quality problems, including the Mexican city's air quality, and consulted leaders on climate measures.

What changes did Molina bring to the application of environmental policies?

Molina's findings have culminated in international instruments such as the Montreal Protocol and influenced how governments manage the environment.

Life and achievements

Early life

Mario Molina was born to a wealthy and academic family on March 19, 1943, in Mexico City, Mexico. His father was a lawyer and diplomat, while his mother was a homemaker. Unlike other families that had laid down career patterns that a child was expected to follow, Molina had developed an interest in science from childhood. In childhood, he turned the bathroom into a laboratory where he used toy microscopes and chemistry sets to conduct experiments. Being a professional chemist, his aunt Esther Molina insisted on his desire and helped him to progress to more complex experiments.

When Molina was 11, he started attending a boarding school in Switzerland and learned German there. He did like the idea at first but changed his mind when he got into class and saw that his classmates were not as enthusiastic about science as he was. However, studying at the University in England was vital for him as it helped him to become a chemist. After returning to Mexico, he attended the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where he took a chemical engineering course that was flexible enough to follow his passion for physical chemistry.

Molina's academic adventure led him to Germany, where he researched polymerization kinetics at the University of Freiburg. But then he discovered he was more interested in atmospheric chemistry, so he headed to the United States. He received his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1972 under the supervision of George Pimentel. For this reason, Molina's early academic experiences can be regarded as the background for his subsequent work in environmental chemistry and his groundbreaking investigations of the depletion of the ozone layer.

Legacy

Mario Molina's work and achievements are best remembered through his work in destroying the ozone layer and as an environmentalist. His work not only contributed to the enhancement of scientific knowledge in the field of atmospheric chemistry but also made a peculiar contribution to the development of global environmental policy. Molina's scientific work with Sherwood Rowland explained that CFCs, used in such products as refrigerators and aerosol sprays, destroy the ozone layer, which helps shield life on the Earth from dangerous ultraviolet radiation. They were found, and this led to the signing of the 1987 Montreal Protocol, an agreement that aimed at eliminating the use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.

Molina's work is much more than his Nobel Prize-winning research on chemical reactions and atmospheric gases. In his career, he was always on record, especially in supporting the formulation of environmental policy based on science. He devoted much time to explaining the risks of ozone depletion to the community and political leadership because he knew that citizens and governments had an essential role in tackling global environmental issues. His efforts made a paradigm shift and created a global opinion on how best to cooperate to safeguard the environment, not only on topics such as climate change.

Molina's contribution to environmental science and policy persisted in the 21st century. He was in the climate change research team, where he specialized in air quality and the effects of urbanization on the environment. This was evident in his endeavors in Mexico City, where he contributed to measures for combating airborne pollution. Molina was also active in climate change talks and underlined the need to act quickly to tackle climate change. He has made significant contributions to science and policy, shaping the world and influencing generations of scientists and environmentalists.

Come build your legacy!

Your donation today shapes the future of how families and friends connect.
You will become a featured Ambassador.
Learn more ->

Powered by

Come build your legacy!

Your donation today shapes the future of how families and friends connect.
You will become a featured Ambassador.
Learn more ->

Powered by

Come build your legacy!

Your donation today shapes the future of how families and friends connect.
You will become a featured Ambassador.
Learn more ->

Powered by

Milestone moments

Jan 17, 1974

A paper on CFC-Ozone Depletion Theory was published in Nature magazine.
In 1974, Molina and Rowland published a paper in Nature magazine showing how CFCs were destroying the ozone layer.

This paper is important because, for the first time, scientists attributed the depletion of the ozone layer to human activities, which brought it into the international spotlight.

Some of the discoveries would later lead to regulatory measures, some of which included the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 to check on the use of CFCs.

Mar 14, 1985

The Discovery of the Antarctic Ozone Hole
Subsequently, in 1985, British scientists found a hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica, supporting Molina and Rowland's idea.

This discovery was quite startling for the international scientific community and launched debates on the threats posed by CFCs.

This evidence of the ozone hole caused the international community to look for a solution, resulting in the Montreal Protocol two years later.

Apr 24, 1987

The signing of the Montreal Protocol.
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, was an immediate reaction to Molina, Rowland, and Crutzen's discoveries.

Hailed as the first international treaty to address a global environmental concern, the Convention on the Elimination of Chemicals and Other Substances was signed by 197 countries.

This is one of the most successful environmental treaties, and the ozone layer should be restored by the mid-century.

Sep 25, 1995

Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Molina, Rowland, and Crutzen were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for their work in atmospheric chemistry.

The Nobel Committee appreciated their contributions to ozone depletion, pointing out the significance of their work for the formation of international environmental policy.

Molina made Latin America highlight environmental science after becoming the first Mexican-born scientist awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Join the waitlist

Follow our journey as we build Confinity and be first to get early access to our platform.

Join the waitlist

Follow our journey as we build Confinity and be first to get early access to our platform.

Join the waitlist

Follow our journey as we build Confinity and be first to get early access to our platform.