Laureates of the Japan Prize
The 1989 (5th) Japan Prize
Environmental Science and Technology
Studies on the mechanisms of stratospheric ozone depletion by chlorofluorocarbons
Dr. Frank Sherwood Rowland (USA)
| Profesor at University of California, Irvine. Born in 1927. |
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In 1974, Dr. Rowland, who studied physical chemistry, was the world's firstscientist to point out the mechanisms by which chlorofluorocarbons could destroythe ozone layer which protects life on earth from harmful ultraviolet solar radiation. He also predicted that if emission of chlorofluorocarbons continues at itscurrent rate, it would eventually result in a 7-13% loss of the total ozone. Dr. Rowland's theoretical insights and predictions have been verified byscientists throughout the world, and have done much to strengthen internationalefforts for the preservation of stratospheric ozone. |