The environmental crises humanity faces today often seem insurmountable, but Susan Solomon’s story offers a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of scientific determination and global cooperation.

Known for her seminal work in atmospheric chemistry, Solomon’s journey from a curious observer of Jacques Cousteau’s undersea world to an influential climate scientist illuminates the path we can follow to address our planet’s climate challenges.

In the 1980s, Susan Solomon’s research established the alarming depletion of Earth’s protective ozone layer due to man-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

These findings became the cornerstone of the 1989 Montreal Protocol, an international agreement that facilitated the elimination of 99% of these harmful substances. Today, as a professor at MIT, Solomon applies the lessons learned from the ozone success story to our current climate crisis in her latest book, “Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do It Again.”

As Solomon highlights, the urgency of the ozone issue spurred public and industry to act, leading to significant environmental progress. She states, “That big phase out of voluntary consumer action had a massive effect on the market.”

It’s a clear message to the public: collective action can drive change. Solomon also emphasizes the value of consumer choices and societal values over mere economic efficiency. It’s a reminder that the most cost-effective solution isn’t always the best for our planet or our health.

Despite the daunting scale of today’s climate crisis, Solomon refuses to share the pessimism that often clouds the narrative.

With the falling price of solar energy and batteries signaling a shift towards clean energy, Solomon believes that staying within a 2C global temperature rise is achievable. “Let’s not give up now, we’re right on the cusp of success,” she encourages, showcasing a faith in human ingenuity and collaboration.

Solomon’s optimism is not merely theoretical but is steeped in her personal experiences and achievements in atmospheric science. Her Antarctic expeditions in the 1980s provided the first concrete evidence linking CFCs to the ozone hole.

These endeavors were not only groundbreaking but also symbolic of the scientist’s battle against the elements in pursuit of truth. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which Solomon co-chaired, further solidified her as a key figure in climate science.

Susan Solomon’s contributions extend beyond her research as she continues to influence policies and educate the next generation on climate action. Her experiences remind us that we can navigate the complexities of climate change just as we overcame the challenge of the ozone hole.

Her narrative echoes a broader message: individuals and societies must recognize the true value of nature and health, pushing beyond economic calculations to tackle the climate crisis.

Adopting Solomon’s resilient spirit, we must also grapple with the limitations of using single economic models to chart our course, as suggested by recent critiques.

The idea of an “optimal economic path” for climate policy is increasingly challenged, with experts advocating for multiple viable pathways that consider changing conditions and societal preferences.

As Solomon posits, safeguarding the integrity of science is crucial in guiding us through the climate emergency. The need for immediate action intersects with the imperative for rigorous peer review and the maintenance of scientific objectivity. Her dedication to integrity and factual discourse is a rallying cry for those navigating the politicized landscape of climate change.

Relevant articles:
– Climate scientist Susan Solomon: ‘Let’s not give up now – we’re right on the cusp of success’, The Guardian
– Women of the Hall, womenofthehall.org
– Abandoning the idea of an “optimal pathway” for climate policy, and Then There’s Physics
– Susan Solomon: ‘We had to literally stand out on the roof’, Chemistry World