Awarded the 8th Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Climate Change, climatologist Veerabhadran Ramanathan explains in this interview how atmospheric pollutants—especially black carbon and other aerosols—play a decisive role in global warming. Drawing on his pioneering research, Ramanathan details how these particles alter solar radiation, accelerate ice melt, and affect millions of people, particularly in vulnerable regions. He also underscores the importance of combining carbon dioxide reduction with urgent strategies to limit short-lived pollutants, which are capable of curbing warming in the coming decades. His analysis integrates climate science, environmental justice, and political action, highlighting the need for swift action to protect the planet’s future.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Climate Change category goes in this eighth edition to Indian cli
Awarded the 8th Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Climate Change, climatologist Veerabhadran Ramanathan explains in this interview how atmospheric pollutants—especially black carbon and other aerosols—play a decisive role in global warming. Drawing on his pioneering research, Ramanathan details how these particles alter solar radiation, accelerate ice melt, and affect millions of people, particularly in vulnerable regions. He also underscores the importance of combining carbon dioxide reduction with urgent strategies to limit short-lived pollutants, which are capable of curbing warming in the coming decades. His analysis integrates climate science, environmental justice, and political action, highlighting the need for swift action to protect the planet’s future.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Climate Change category goes in this eighth edition to Indian climatologist Veerabhadran Ramanathan for discovering that human-produced gases and pollutants other than CO2 have a huge power to alter the Earth’s climate, and that by acting on them it is possible to make a short-term dent on the rate of global warming.
00:00 Introduction
00:05 You have shown that, in addition to CO₂, there are different types of gases and airborne particles that play a crucial role in climate change. In this regard, what are the main conclusions of your research?
02:28 The jury highlights that your contribution opens up new pathways for practical action to mitigate climate change. What are these new ways of acting?
05:25 As a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, you personally asked the Pope to include climate change in his discourse. How do you assess Pope Francis’s response?
08:39 In your opinion, what roles should science, religion, and politics play in the fight against climate change?
