Mario Molina was a Mexican-American chemist who made a groundbreaking discovery that changed the course of environmental science and policy.
He was one of the first scientists to warn about the dangers of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
For his contributions, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995, becoming the first Mexican-born scientist to receive this honour.
In this article, we will explore his life, career, achievements, and legacy.
Mario Molina Family
Mario Molina was born in Mexico City on March 19, 1943, to Roberto Molina Pasquel and Leonor Henríquez.
His father was a lawyer and diplomat who served as an ambassador to Ethiopia, Australia, and the Philippines.
His mother was a homemaker who encouraged his curiosity and interest in science.
He had four siblings: Roberto, Enrique, Jorge, and Alicia.
He came from a family of prominent intellectuals and politicians, including his uncle, Luis Ernesto Molina, who was a former president of El Salvador.
Mario Molina Childhood
Mario Molina showed a passion for chemistry from an early age.
He converted a bathroom in his home into his own laboratory, where he experimented with toy microscopes and chemistry sets.
He attended elementary and primary school in Mexico, where he excelled in science and mathematics.
Mario also enjoyed reading books and magazines about science and technology.
He was influenced by his father’s travels and learned to speak English, French, and German.
Mario Molina Young
Mario Molina pursued his higher education in different countries.
He obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1965.
Mario then moved to Germany, where he earned his master’s degree in polymer science from the University of Freiburg in 1967.
He continued his studies in the United States, where he received his doctoral degree in physical chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1972.
His doctoral thesis was on the vibrational populations of chemical lasers.
He then joined the University of California, Irvine, as a postdoctoral researcher, where he met and collaborated with Rowland on the CFC-ozone problem.
Mario Molina Life Events
Mario Molina had a distinguished and influential career as a researcher, professor, and advisor.
He held various positions at prestigious institutions, such as:
- the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- the California Institute of Technology
- the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- the University of California San Diego
- the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
He also founded and directed the Mario Molina Center for Energy and Environment in Mexico City, where he conducted research and policy analysis on climate change, air quality, and renewable energy.
Mario was a member of several national and international scientific academies and committees, such as:
- the National Academy of Sciences
- the Pontifical Academy of Sciences
- the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- the World Economic Forum
He received numerous awards and honours, such as:
- the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement
- the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal
- the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- the UN Environment Programme Sasakawa Environment Prize
He was also a climate policy advisor to the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, and a global advocate for environmental protection and sustainability.
Mario Molina Age
Mario Molina died on October 7, 2020, at the age of 77, in Mexico City.
He had been hospitalized for a month due to a heart attack.
Mario is survived by his wife, Guadalupe Alvarez, whom he married in 2006, and his son, Felipe Molina, from his previous marriage to Luisa Tan, whom he divorced in 2005.
He is also survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Mario Molina Siblings
Mario Molina had four siblings: Roberto, Enrique, Jorge, and Alicia.
Roberto Molina Pasquel is a lawyer and politician who served as the Secretary of Energy of Mexico from 1994 to 1995.
Enrique Molina Pasquel is a businessman and philanthropist who founded the Molina Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and education.
Jorge Molina Pasquel is a physician and researcher who specializes in infectious diseases and immunology.
Alicia Molina Pasquel is a psychologist and writer who has published several books and articles on mental health and social issues.
Mario Molina Quotes
Mario Molina was a visionary and inspirational leader who shared his wisdom and insights on science, society, and the environment.
Here are some of his quotes:
- “Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.”
- “The most important thing is to have a vision of what you want to achieve, and then to pursue it with passion and dedication.”
- “We have a responsibility to care for our planet. The future of humanity and indeed all life on Earth now depends on us.”
- “The only way to solve the environmental problems is through international cooperation.”
- “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
Conclusion
Mario Molina was a brilliant and influential chemist who made a lasting impact on the world.
He discovered the Antarctic ozone hole and warned about the dangers of CFCs to the ozone layer.
He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and many other awards and honours for his contributions.
Mario also dedicated his life to advancing scientific knowledge, promoting environmental awareness, and shaping climate policy.
He was a role model and a hero for many people, especially for Mexicans and Latinos.
He left behind a legacy of excellence, courage, and service.
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