A recent study conducted by an international team of scientists led by the University of Leeds, UK, has revealed that Particles in the atmosphere can influence the planet's climate by absorbing or reflecting sunlight. These particles, which originate from human activity such as vehicles and industries, in addition to being of natural origin, play a fundamental role in regulating the Earth's temperature.
According to the work published in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience, Atmospheric particles tend to cool the climate in warmer years, which can partially mitigate the extent of global warming. To learn more about the effects of global warming, you can consult this link.
To reach these findings, the researchers combined atmospheric measurements with computer models to map the effects of two natural sources of particles in the atmosphere: smoke from forest fires and gases emitted by trees, which can join together to form small particles. Dr. Catherine Scott, lead author of the study, says, "As the Earth warms, plants release more volatile gases from their leaves—gases that give pine forests their distinctive scent. Once in the air, these gases can form small particles, which reflect the sun's energy and, as a result, help cool the planet. " Smoke from fires can have a significant effect on this process.
This cooling process, known as negative climate feedback, offsets, to some extent, the rise in global temperature. Thus, forests act as large air conditioners, helping to reduce the warming that results from greenhouse gas emissions, a phenomenon also associated with the forest fires. In addition, it has been proven that the Earth's energy balance It also plays an important role in how temperatures are regulated.
Dominic Spracklen, co-author of the study, points out that generally, the climate response to an initial warming tends to amplify that warming, that is, it is a positive feedbackHowever, the researcher also emphasizes that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are necessary to prevent global temperatures from reaching dangerous levels, which relates to the urgent need for stop global warming. It is also relevant to consider how clouds influence climate change, as well as the impact of the absence of clouds in the climate.
The relationship between aerosols and global warming
Aerosols are microscopic particles found in the atmosphere and can be of either natural or anthropogenic origin. Their influence on the climate manifests itself in several ways:
- Reflection of sunlight: Aerosols can reflect solar radiation back into space, contributing to a temporary cooling of the climate.
- Cloud formation: They act as condensation nuclei for cloud formation, affecting the precipitation cycle and weather patterns. It is interesting to note how the clouds dissipate in different conditions.
- Impact on air quality: Aerosols can impair air quality, affecting human health and the environment.
According to research, burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide (SO2), which turns into sulfate aerosols. These aerosols have attenuated global warming by approximately 0.5°C, according to IPCC data. However, the same activity that generates aerosols also contributes to the increase in greenhouse gases, as mentioned in the analysis on the rise in temperatures in Colombia. Understanding how aerosols influence global climate is essential to address this phenomenon.
The effects of climate change on the environment
Global warming has caused significant changes in the weather patterns and climate change on a global level. Some of the most notable effects include:
- Rising sea levels: As a result of melting glaciers and thermal expansion of the oceans, rising sea levels can flood coastal areas.
- Extreme weather events: An increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heat waves, has been observed.
- Changes in biodiversity: Many species are struggling to adapt to changes in their habitat, leading to species displacement and biodiversity loss.
Furthermore, it is important to consider how the pollution associated with these phenomena can affect communities, which relates to the impact of pollution on public health. In this regard, it has been observed how Global warming could increase air conditioning consumption. And, as the climate continues to change, It seems we have lost control of climate change in many respects, including types of solar radiation that impact the environment.
Air pollution and public health
Air pollution is one of the main causes of illnesses and premature deaths Worldwide. In 2016, an estimated 4.2 million deaths were attributed to poor air quality. The main pollutants include:
- Particulate matter (PM)2.5): It is composed of fine particles capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system, causing health problems.
- Tropospheric ozone: It is formed by chemical reactions of pollutants in the presence of sunlight and can affect lung function.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): A gas generated primarily by vehicles and industrial plants that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
The people most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution are children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Continued exposure to these pollutants can lead to increased mortality and the occurrence of chronic diseases, which is closely linked to the effects of global warming on public health. The relationship between air pollution and allergies This is an aspect that also deserves attention.
Measures to combat air pollution
It is crucial to implement effective policies to reduce air pollution and mitigate global warming. Some strategies include:
- Promote renewable energy: Promote the use of clean and sustainable energy to replace fossil fuels.
- Improve public transport: Develop efficient and sustainable transportation systems that reduce dependence on polluting vehicles.
- Regulate industrial emissions: Establish stricter standards for industrial emissions and improve pollution control technologies.
- Increase reforestation: Trees act as carbon sinks and also help filter pollutants from the air.
It is clear that atmospheric particulate matter, both natural and anthropogenic, plays a crucial role in the global climate system. Although it can help cool the planet, its presence is also linked to serious health and environmental problems. Therefore, it is imperative that climate change policies integrate air pollution control to safeguard public health and the well-being of the planet. This issue is related to the growing concern about the extreme conditions the Earth faces today.
