Paul J. Crutzen
He won the Nobel Prize for his work on the formation and decomposition of ozone.
Most quoted
"Considering these and many other major and still growing impacts of human activities on Earth and atmosphere, and at all, including global, scales, it seems to me more than appropriate to emphasize the central role of mankind in geology and ecology by proposing to use the term 'Anthropocene' for the current geological epoch."
— from The 'Anthropocene', 2000
"For the past three centuries, the effects of humans on the global environment have escalated. Because of these, it seems to me that it is more than appropriate to emphasize the central role of mankind in geology and ecology by proposing to use the term 'Anthropocene' for the current geological epoch."
— from IGBP Newsletter, 2000
"The Anthropocene could be said to have started in the latter part of the eighteenth century, when analyses of air trapped in polar ice showed the beginning of growing global concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane."
— from Geology of Mankind, 2002
All quotes by Paul J. Crutzen (422)
We must not lose hope, even in the face of daunting environmental challenges.
My time at NCAR in Boulder was instrumental in shaping my understanding of atmospheric processes.
The Earth's climate system is incredibly complex, with many feedback loops.
I always tried to maintain a sense of humility in my research, knowing how much there is still to learn.
The concept of the Anthropocene forces us to confront our role as geological agents.
My children and grandchildren are a constant reminder of why this work is so important.
The Montreal Protocol stands as a testament to what can be achieved when science and policy work together.
We need to think globally and act locally to address environmental issues.
The atmosphere is not just a passive medium; it's a dynamic chemical reactor.
I am grateful for the many collaborations I've had throughout my career; science is a team effort.
The future of humanity is inextricably linked to the health of the planet.
It is crucial to support fundamental research, as it often leads to unexpected breakthroughs.
My early work on nitrogen oxides and ozone depletion was met with some skepticism, but persistence paid off.
The Earth's systems are resilient, but there are limits to their capacity to absorb human impacts.
The responsibility of scientists extends beyond discovery; it includes informing and educating.
I hope that my work contributes to a greater understanding and appreciation of our planet.
We are no longer living in the Holocene. We are in the Anthropocene.
The term 'Anthropocene' was coined by me in 2000, but the concept has been around for a long time.
Mankind has become a geological force.
The Anthropocene is a geological epoch in which human activities have had a significant global impact on the Earth's ecosystems.
Contemporaries of Paul J. Crutzen
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Paul J. Crutzen (1933–2021).