[Life] 2026 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development Awarded to American Atmospheric Chemist Susan Solomon

The Tang Prize Foundation today (15th) announced the winner of the 2026 Sustainable Development Award, American atmospheric chemist Susan Solomon, recognizing her for shaping global sustainable development policies through her groundbreaking advancements and outstanding leadership in atmospheric and climate science. #Listen to reporter Yang Yu-ching's report# The Tang Prize Foundation announced the winner of the 2026 Sustainable Development Award on the morning of the 15th. The recipient is Professor Susan Solomon, currently the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. Solomon is internationally renowned for her pioneering research on ozone depletion and climate change. By combining on-site Antarctic observations, innovative model simulations, and in-depth communication with policymakers and the public, she has played a crucial role in the success of the Montreal Protocol and global climate negotiations. Chen Chen-chuan, CEO of the Tang Prize Foundation, stated that climate change is one of the most pressing global concerns. Solomon's significant contributions include her personal expedition to Antarctica 40 years ago to prove that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were the primary cause of the Antarctic ozone hole. Her work also addresses the impact of carbon dioxide emissions on the Earth and her co-leadership of the UN's IPCC committee in producing the Fourth Assessment Report, "The Physical Science Basis," which comprehensively integrated crucial climate science knowledge. Chen Chen-chuan said: "(Original sound) Her research shows that with the current CO2 levels, even if they don't increase further, the impact on climate could last for another thousand years. This signifies a very significant impact on climate, including temperature and sea levels, thus necessitating urgent mitigation actions. Another contribution is her leadership and report writing for the UN's IPCC committee, which helped facilitate the signing of the 2015 Paris Agreement at the global climate conference." Solomon expressed her gratitude to the Tang Prize Foundation for the award via video. She looks forward to coming to Taiwan to receive the award and share her research insights on climate change. The Tang Prize Foundation announced that the award ceremony will be held on September 18th. Solomon will also visit National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung for a master's forum and engage in dialogue with high school students in the Kaohsiung area. A laureate lecture will also be held in Taipei. The public is welcome to attend and experience the master's brilliance. (Editor: Hsu Chia-yuan) Winner of the 2026 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development, American atmospheric chemist Susan Solomon, expressed her gratitude via video.