India-born scientist chosen for UN highest environmental award

A major UNEP study in 2011 of which Ramanathan acted as vice-chairman, presented 16 actions to cut black carbon and methane emissions, which, if implemented, would save close to 2.5 million lives a year through reduced respiratory illnesses, avoid crop losses amounting to 32 million tonnes annually, and deliver near-term climate protection of about 0.5 degree C by 2050.

Ramanathan's studies on the climate warming effects of non-CO2 pollutants dates back to 1975, when he discovered the super greenhouse effect of a class of halocarbons known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Translating his research into action, he had started “Project Surya” in India to phase out inefficient cooking stoves.

The report estimated that implementing these measures would help keep average global temperature rise below the internationally-agreed 2 degree C target, at least until mid-century.