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)
To ignore the scientific truth is to court disaster, to choose a path of ignorance and suffering.
The spiritual connection to the Earth is a primal one, often forgotten in our modern world, but essential for our survival.
What is the meaning of a life lived in denial of our planetary responsibilities?
The beauty of a thriving ecosystem is a testament to the resilience of life, a resilience we are now testing to its limits.
Our consciousness allows us to imagine a better future, but only if we act on that imagination.
The death of the ozone layer was averted, a testament to what humanity can achieve when it confronts a global threat with truth and collective action.
The human condition is one of constant evolution, and our current challenge is to evolve our relationship with the planet.
To live fully means to engage with the world, to understand its complexities, and to strive for its betterment.
The truth about our environmental impact is not a matter of opinion; it is a matter of scientific fact.
There is a spiritual imperative to protect the Earth, a recognition of its intrinsic value beyond human utility.
The meaning we derive from life is deeply intertwined with the health and vitality of the world around us.
The beauty of a stable climate, of clean air and water, is a fundamental human right, and a testament to a healthy planet.
We are no longer living in the Holocene but in the Anthropocene.
To a large extent, the Anthropocene is a consequence of the 'success' of Homo sapiens.
The term 'Anthropocene' seems to be an appropriate word to indicate the central role of mankind in geology and ecology.
The Anthropocene is a stark reminder of the immense power of humanity to alter the planet.
The Anthropocene is not just a scientific concept; it's a call to action.
The idea of geoengineering is frightening, but we may need to consider it as a last resort.
The deliberate manipulation of the Earth's climate system, or 'geoengineering', is a topic that has been largely taboo.
The prospect of geoengineering is a terrifying one, but we must not shy away from discussing it.
Contemporaries of Paul J. Crutzen
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Paul J. Crutzen (1933–2021).