Paul J. Crutzen

Chemistry Dutch 1933 – 2021 422 quotes

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)

The scientific community has a moral obligation to speak out about environmental threats.

Speech 2006

The beauty of science lies in its ability to reveal the hidden workings of nature.

Interview 1995

The greatest discoveries often come from unexpected places.

Interview 1995

We must foster a sense of global citizenship.

Speech 2010

The Anthropocene demands a new way of thinking about our relationship with the Earth.

Book chapter 2010

The future is not predetermined; it is shaped by our choices.

Speech 2005

We need to educate the next generation about the challenges and opportunities of the Anthropocene.

Speech 2010

The scientific journey is one of constant learning and adaptation.

Interview 1995

The ozone hole was a stark reminder of the fragility of our planet.

Nobel Lecture 1995

Let's hope that the Anthropocene, despite the serious problems it has created, will be a successful era for humankind.

Nature 2002

Human activities have fundamentally altered the Earth's atmosphere, marking the dawn of the Anthropocene era.

Article 2000

The ozone layer is not invincible; our chlorofluorocarbons have pierced its shield.

Paper 1974

We must act now, or future generations will inherit a scorched and breathless world.

Nobel Lecture 1995

Chemistry is the alchemy of our time, turning molecules into warnings for humanity.

Interview 1980

In the grand laboratory of Earth, we are both the scientists and the reckless experimenters.

Book Chapter 2002

The hole in the ozone is a mirror reflecting our hubris towards nature.

Speech 1985

Life's fragility is etched in the thin veil of our atmosphere.

Letter 1990

Politicians talk of progress, but science whispers of peril.

Interview 2005

Every breath we take carries the weight of our environmental sins.

Paper 1978

The Anthropocene is not a choice; it is our legacy, for better or worse.

Article 2000