New climate research suggests that recent efforts to reduce sulfur emissions from cargo ships have inadvertently contributed to record-breaking sea temperatures and accelerated global warming in the short term. Despite the positive intentions of the regulations, the rapid reduction in sulfur pollution has disrupted the reflective layer of aerosols in the atmosphere, leading to increased solar energy reaching Earth’s surface and warming the oceans.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch its Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) satellite tonight, a mission dedicated to unraveling the intricate relationship between clouds, aerosols, and climate change. Equipped with four instruments, EarthCARE will gather unprecedented data on atmospheric profiles and vertical motions of clouds, as well as aerosol profiles, providing valuable insights into their impact on global temperature evolution.
The behavior of tiny particles in the atmosphere, known as aerosols, significantly impacts climate and weather patterns. NASA’s new satellite, PACE, aims to reduce uncertainties surrounding aerosols by providing detailed data on their size, shape, and distribution. This improved understanding will enhance climate models, enabling more accurate projections of climate change and its effects.
