Researchers say recent reductions in air pollution across East Asia, particularly China, have probably contributed to faster global surface warming since around 2010. The study, published this month in Nature Communications, Earth and Environment, links these changes to a regional fall in aerosol pollution and to rising temperatures across the Asian landmass.
The paper's authors report a 75 per cent decrease in sulfate aerosol emissions in East Asia over the period. Lead author Bjørn H. Samset of the CICERO Centre for International Climate Research said this "has likely driven much of the recent global warming acceleration, and also warming trends in the Pacific." Atmospheric scientists explain that reducing aerosols allows more solar radiation to reach the Earth's surface, and that cloud–aerosol interaction is important but difficult to simulate.
The authors note the warming acceleration tied to reduced air pollution is likely to be short-lived, but regional impacts are already visible. Roxy Mathew Koll said that since about 2000 temperatures over Asia have risen sharply and that the acceleration is intensifying heatwaves, disrupting monsoons, fueling cyclones, raising sea levels and melting glaciers. The WMO State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report said Asia is warming twice as fast as the global average. Experts say cuts to greenhouse gases and financial support for adaptation are urgent; an IMF paper estimates emerging and developing Asia needs at least US$1.1 trillion a year with a large shortfall, while wealthy countries pledged US$300 billion a year by 2035 at COP29, a sum many consider inadequate.
Difficult words
- reduction — a decrease in amount or sizereductions
- aerosol — tiny particles or droplets in the air
- sulfate — a chemical compound found in some aerosols
- emission — release of substances into air or atmosphereemissions
- acceleration — an increase in speed or rate
- monsoon — a seasonal wind bringing heavy rainmonsoons
- adaptation — changes to live better with new conditions
- pledge — a formal promise to give money or supportpledged
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you noticed more hot weather or heatwaves recently? How do they affect your daily life?
- What actions should wealthy countries take to help developing Asian countries adapt? Name one or two.
- Do you think reducing air pollution is worth a short-term increase in warming? Why or why not?
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