Opinion: Science is the way forward

Opinion: Science is the way forward

In 1974, two scientists at the University of California, Irvine, made a discovery that would change the course of history and our relationship to the planet. F. Sherwood Rowland and Mario J. Molina were studying chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs …. They found that when CFCs are exposed to sunlight in the earth’s atmosphere, they set off a chain reaction capable of rapidly destroying stratospheric ozone, which shields us from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. … The story of ozone and public health casts scientists as vigilant and courageous heroes on a quest for understanding in the service of the public good. Society must again turn to scientists for solutions if we are to restore reason and calm to the crises facing humanity — from COVID-19 to climate change.