Mario Molina: Nobel Prize in Chemistry and Protector of the Ozone Layer

Mario Molina was a Mexican chemist whose research transformed our understanding of the impact of human activities on the environment. Born in Mexico City in 1943, Molina was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for his work on the effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the ozone layer, one of the most significant discoveries in 20th-century environmental science.

Together with Frank Sherwood Rowland, Molina demonstrated in 1974 that CFCs released into the atmosphere could reach the stratosphere, where they released chlorine atoms that destroyed ozone molecules. Ozone is essential for protecting the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, and its depletion poses severe risks to human health and the environment, such as increased skin cancer rates and damage to ecosystems.

Thanks to his research, global awareness was raised about the importance of protecting the ozone layer. In 1987, as a result of scientific pressure, the Montreal Protocol was signed, an international agreement to reduce the production of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. This effort has led to a slow but steady recovery of the ozone layer, a clear example of how science and policy can work together to solve environmental challenges.

Mario Molina’s legacy extends beyond the Nobel Prize. His work highlighted the crucial role of science in shaping environmental policies and seeking sustainable solutions. At CymitQuimica, we share his vision of the importance of knowledge and innovation in addressing present and future environmental challenges. We believe that science and technology are fundamental tools for building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world for future generations.