A study published this month in Nature Communications, Earth and Environment says reductions in aerosol pollution across East Asia, especially in China, have probably helped make global surface warming faster since about 2010. The researchers link the change to a regional fall in aerosol pollution and to rising temperatures across Asia.
The authors report a large decrease in sulfate aerosol emissions in East Asia. Scientists explain that fewer aerosols let more solar radiation reach the surface, which causes warming, and they note that cloud–aerosol interaction is important but hard to simulate.
Regional effects are already visible: stronger heatwaves, disrupted monsoons, cyclones, rising seas and melting glaciers. Experts say cutting greenhouse gases and providing money for adaptation are urgent.
Difficult words
- aerosol — tiny particles in the air that come from pollutionaerosols
- sulfate — a chemical often in tiny airborne particles
- emission — the release of gases or particles into airemissions
- radiation — energy that travels from the sun or other sources
- simulate — to make a model or simple copy of something
- adaptation — actions to live with new environmental changes
- glacier — a large slow-moving mass of iceglaciers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you agree that governments should provide money for adaptation? Why or why not?
- Have you noticed stronger heatwaves or other climate changes where you live?
- What can people or local governments do to reduce air pollution?
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