F. Sherwood Rowland
He shared the Nobel Prize for his work on the depletion of the ozone layer by chlorofluorocarbons.
Most quoted
"Isn't it a responsibility of scientists, if you believe that you have found something that can affect the environment, isn't it your responsibility to actually do something about it, enough so that action actually takes place?"
— from Nobel Prize Lecture, 1995
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Especially if you made them feel wrong."
— from Attributed/Paraphrased
"What's the use of having developed a science well enough to make predictions if, in the end, all we're willing to do is stand around and wait for them to come true?"
— from Interview/Speech
All quotes by F. Sherwood Rowland (415)
Don't be afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.
The scientific community has a responsibility to speak truth to power.
The environment is not just an issue; it's the foundation of our existence.
Curiosity is the engine of scientific discovery.
We must act now to prevent irreversible damage to our planet.
The most rewarding part of my work has been seeing the world respond to the scientific evidence.
The atmosphere is a global commons, and we all have a stake in its health.
Science can provide the answers, but society must decide what to do with them.
It's a wonderful feeling to contribute to something that benefits all of humanity.
The evidence for ozone depletion was overwhelming, and we had to act.
We need to educate the next generation about the importance of environmental stewardship.
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey.
The Montreal Protocol is a testament to what can be achieved when nations work together.
The Earth is a closed system; what we put into it stays in it.
Never underestimate the power of a few dedicated individuals to make a difference.
The scientific process involves constant questioning and re-evaluation.
We have a responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth.
The most important thing is to keep asking questions.
The scientific evidence was clear, and the political will eventually followed.
Understanding the atmosphere is crucial for understanding climate change.
Contemporaries of F. Sherwood Rowland
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of F. Sherwood Rowland (1927–2012).