Scientist Susan Solomon wins 2026 Tang Prize

Updated at: June 16, 2026 at 06:30 AM

On June 15, 2026, the Tang Prize Foundation announced that American atmospheric chemist Professor Susan Solomon is the recipient of the 2026 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development.

verbannounce

adjectiveatmospheric

nounSusan Solomon

A professor at MIT, Solomon is recognized for her pioneering work in atmospheric science that has profoundly shaped global environmental policy.

nounMIT

adjectivepioneering

adjectiveatmospheric

Notably, in the 1980s, Solomon identified the chemical mechanisms behind the Antarctic ozone hole.

nounAntarctic

Her findings were vital to the creation of the Montreal Protocol, a landmark treaty that successfully limited ozone-depleting substances.

adjectivelandmark

Furthermore, she has been a leading voice on climate change, famously proving that certain impacts of CO₂ emissions are irreversible for over a millennium.

nounclimate change

By awarding this honor to Professor Solomon, the foundation highlights the critical role of scientific leadership in building a sustainable future.

adjectivesustainable

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Comprehension Questions

Why did Professor Susan Solomon receive the 2026 Tang Prize?

For her contributions to the development of new pharmaceutical drugs.

For her groundbreaking advances and leadership in atmospheric and climate sciences.

For her leadership in legal reforms regarding international environmental law.

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Correct Choice

For her groundbreaking advances and leadership in atmospheric and climate sciences.

What was the significance of Solomon's 1980s Antarctic expeditions?

They helped establish the first permanent greenhouse gas monitoring stations.

They identified new species of marine life affected by climate change.

They provided direct measurements confirming CFCs caused the ozone hole.

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Correct Choice

They provided direct measurements confirming CFCs caused the ozone hole.

What did Professor Solomon demonstrate regarding CO₂ emissions in 2009?

That certain impacts of CO₂ emissions are irreversible for over 1,000 years.

That CO₂ emissions levels could be neutralized within one decade.

That the impacts of CO₂ emissions are easily reversible through reforestation.

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Correct Choice

That certain impacts of CO₂ emissions are irreversible for over 1,000 years.

Where does Professor Susan Solomon currently teach?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The University of Taiwan.

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Correct Choice

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

What is the primary purpose of the Tang Prize grant included with the award?

To cover the administrative costs of the award ceremony.

To reward the personal achievements of the recipient without conditions.

To support research or educational outreach.

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Correct Choice

To support research or educational outreach.

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