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)
The Earth's atmosphere is a delicate balance, easily disrupted by human activity.
Sometimes, you have to be willing to stand alone for what you believe is right.
The joy of discovery is an unparalleled feeling.
We must educate the next generation about the importance of environmental stewardship.
The scientific process is messy, full of false starts and dead ends, but ultimately rewarding.
My greatest hope is that humanity learns from its mistakes and protects this precious planet.
The data spoke for itself, even when others were unwilling to listen.
It's a constant battle to ensure that scientific findings are not distorted for political gain.
The collaboration with Mario was essential. We complemented each other perfectly.
The long-term consequences of our actions are often overlooked in the pursuit of short-term gains.
I never set out to be an environmental activist, but the science led me there.
The support from my university, even during the controversial years, was invaluable.
The atmosphere is a global commons; its protection requires global cooperation.
My parents instilled in me a deep respect for learning and a strong work ethic.
The scientific community has a moral obligation to warn society of impending dangers.
The complexity of atmospheric chemistry is both daunting and fascinating.
We must always be vigilant, as new threats to the environment will undoubtedly emerge.
The public's understanding of science is crucial for informed decision-making.
The journey from hypothesis to accepted scientific fact can be a long and arduous one.
I am proud of the role we played in protecting the ozone layer, but there is still much to do.
Contemporaries of F. Sherwood Rowland
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of F. Sherwood Rowland (1927–2012).