17 July 2009
Susan Solomon, senior scientist at CSD, has been announced the winner of the Volvo Environment Prize for 2009. Susan is recognized for her research that identified the cause of the ozone hole, which made an important contribution to the global efforts (via the Montreal Protocol) to phase out and then eliminate the use of chlorofluorocarbons; for her work as co-chair of Working Group I of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report; and for her research on the irreversibility of climate change. The Volvo Environment Prize jury consists of several leading international researchers. Their citation says, in part:
"Dr. Susan Solomon is an outstanding atmospheric chemist and physicist whose pioneering scientific contributions have had major impacts on crucial environmental policies."
She will be in Sweden on November 5th to receive the Volvo Environment Prize at a ceremony and seminar in Stockholm.
Background: The Volvo Environment Prize is awarded for "Outstanding innovations or scientific discoveries which in broad terms fall within the environmental field." It is an annual award to individuals who explore the way to a sustainable world. The prize is awarded by an independent foundation with a jury consisting of internationally renowned figures in the environmental field. Since the first award in 1990, the prize has gone to 36 people. Among them are many well-known names and three Nobel Prize winners. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Volvo Environment Prize.
Significance: The Volvo Environment Prize is acknowledgement of Dr. Solomon's preeminent scientific discoveries and achievements.