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)
Wisdom from decades: Sustainability is not optional; it's elemental.
On life: Science gave me purpose, nature gave me awe.
Political quip: Treaties are like bonds—strong when backed by science.
Humor: I'm a chemist, not a magician, but I can make holes disappear—with policy.
Observation: Stratospheric chemistry is Earth's immune system under siege.
Aphorism: The planet's pulse beats in isotopes and ice cores.
Interview quote: The Nobel was validation, but the real prize is a healed planet.
Correspondence: To a student—Curiosity is the catalyst for discovery.
Art of science: Diagrams of doom, painted with data.
Comeback to skeptics: Show me the math that disproves the hole.
Major work excerpt: Geoengineering must be a last resort, not a first love.
Life reflection: From war-torn Europe to Nobel laureate—science heals wounds.
Science saying: Models predict; actions prevent.
Philosophical musing: Are we stewards or squatters on this blue marble?
Humor in retirement: Now I study wine chemistry—less ozone, more bouquet.
Political insight: International cooperation is chemistry's greatest reaction.
Wisdom: The future is not predicted by science; it's shaped by it.
Last words reflection: I've done my part; now it's yours.
Aphorism: Ozone depletion taught us: Ignore warnings at your peril.
Key passage: The role of NOx in stratospheric dynamics cannot be overstated.
Contemporaries of Paul J. Crutzen
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Paul J. Crutzen (1933–2021).