Mario Molina, Mexico chemistry Nobel winner, dies at 77

Mario Molina, winner of bel Prize in chemistry in 1995 and only Mexican scientist to be hored with a bel, died Wednesday in his native Mexico City. He was 77 years old.

Molina’s faamily anunced his death in a brief statement through institute that carried his name. It did t give a cause of death.

He won prize along with scientists Frank Sherwood Rowland of United States and Paul Crutzen of Nerlands for ir research into climate change.

Molina and Rowland published a paper in 1974 that saw thinning of ozone layer as a consequence of chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, chemicals used in a range of products.

Molina's work contributed to drafting of first international treaty on subject, Montreal Protocol, which phased out use of chemicals. Later, he focused on confronting air pollution in major cities like his own Mexico City and pushing for global actions to promote sustainable development.

One of his last public appearances was alongside Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, also a scientist, in a video conference during which Molina reflected on coronavirus pandemic and importance of wearing masks to avoid transmission.

Molina was a member, among or institutions, of National Acemy of Sciences and for eight years was one of 21 scientists who composed President Barack Obama’s Council of visers on Science and Techlogy.

Only two or Mexicans have been awarded bel Prizes: Alfonso García Robles received Peace Prize in 1982 for his work on nuclear weapons negotiations and writer Octavio Paz was awarded prize for literature in 1990.

Molina died on same day this year's prize for chemistry was awarded.

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