Four luminaries to receive California’s premier air quality award
SACRAMENTO – On October 24, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will honor recipients of the 2023 Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards, California’s premier award annually recognizing individuals who have made transformative contributions toward improving air quality or addressing climate change. The awards will be given at CARB's monthly meeting at 9 a.m. in the CalEPA Building, 1001 I St., Sacramento, CA 95814.
The award is named after Dr. Arie Haagen-Smit, CARB’s first chairperson, who helped lead the way in leveraging scientific foundations for the establishment of health protective air quality policies and standards – not only in California but across the globe. Awardees, nominated by the public, embody Dr. Haagen-Smit’s legacy with work that has substantial and lasting impacts in the fields of air pollution and climate change – whether by advancing science and technology itself or by leading environmental policy goals and achievements.
“The Haagen-Smit awards recognize the inspirational work happening across the nation and world to reduce pollution and fight climate change,” said Elizabeth Scheehle, the Research Division Chief at CARB. “Action can come in many forms, whether it’s academic research that leads to innovation, advocacy that drives policy change, or legal defenses of environmental laws. This year’s awardees reflect the necessary and diverse work that is needed to achieve clean air.”
2023 Award Recipients
Kofi A. Agyarko, M.S., Director of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Climate Change, Ghana Energy Commission
Environmental Justice: Agyarko has been a leader in energy efficiency and energy conservation policies and programs in Ghana for decades, with expertise and impact that transcends international borders. With a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Banking from the University of Ghana and a Master of Science in Energy Management from BI Norwegian Business School, Agyarko has worked tirelessly to advance energy efficiency initiatives that benefit both people and the planet. This includes the fight against international trade practices of environmental dumping, where wealthy nations ship new and used consumer products, including outdated refrigerators and air conditioners with obsolete and high global warming potential refrigerants, to poor and developing countries that can ill afford the environmental, financial, and other burdens of such appliances. The environmentally harmful dumping of outdated cooling appliances in African countries is an environmental justice issue that directly affects millions of people and contributes to the global climate crisis. More information: Kofi Agyarko
Richard C. Flagan, Ph.D., McCollum-Corcoran Professor of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Science and Engineering, California Institute of Technology
Research: Dr. Flagan is a globally recognized and innovative experimentalist and researcher in aerosol science and instrumentation. In 1975, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate joined the California Institute of Technology faculty to study aerosol science. Throughout his career, Dr. Flagan has made transformative contributions to the field of aerosol science, developing innovative measurement techniques and advancing the understanding of aerosol dynamics and their environmental impacts. One of Dr. Flagan’s most remarkable contributions to clean air was the development of novel aerosol measurement instruments that dramatically improved the accuracy and scope of atmospheric studies. More information: Richard C. Flagan | Caltech
Prashant Kumar, Ph.D., Professor & Chair of Air Quality & Health, University of Surrey, United Kingdom
International Education: Dr. Kumar, a Professor of Air Quality & Health at the University of Surrey, UK, has been active in research and education across the globe, including in Brazil, China, Egypt, India, and the United Kingdom. After earning degrees in civil and environmental engineering in India, Dr. Kumar completed a doctorate in engineering at the University of Cambridge, UK, specializing in measurements and dispersion modelling of nanoparticles in the urban environment. Dr. Kumar then joined the University of Surrey, where he rapidly advanced from Lecturer to Professor & Chair, and to Associate Dean. His widespread public outreach and education work has distinguished him as an uncommon academic who takes his research to the end users, from policy makers to the public. More information: Prashant Kumar | University of Surrey
Vickie Patton, J.D., General Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund
Policy: Patton has been integral in upholding numerous national and state climate change and air quality standards by utilizing science-based analysis, partnerships, public education, and strategic litigation. An environmental attorney and resolute clean air advocate, Patton has dedicated over 30 years to improving and protecting clean air regulations and promoting healthier air and a safer climate for all people and communities. She has been a powerful California ally when the state’s waiver has been under attack. Her leadership and integrity have made her one of the most respected and accomplished leaders within the non-profit advocacy community. More information: Vickie Patton | Environmental Defense Fund
About the Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards
The prestigious Haagen-Smit Awards are given annually to those who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of clean air, climate change, technology and related policies. Considered to be California's premier air quality award, it is named for CARB’s first chairman, the late Dr. Arie Haagen-Smit — best known for linking the smog in Southern California to automobile emissions. The award recognizes those who have followed in his footsteps in pursuit of clean air. The Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards have been presented since 2001. Winners have ranged from research scientists to educators to public agency administrators.