Reducing air pollution could warm the planet

The residents in the metropolitan stews, such as Beijing, Mexico City or Los Angeles recognizes the need to reduce air pollution. But at the same time can reduce air pollution contribute to a warmer climate, writes Lund University researcher Almut arneth in the latest issue of Science.
Some air pollutants that humans emit climate warming. This may include ozone and soot. Other air pollutants, such as sulfates, has a cooling effect.

- It is still very uncertain how these pollutants affect the climate. Overall, however, shows the recent research that air pollution has a cooling effect on Earth's climate, "said Almut arneth, researchers in Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis at Lund University.

The article in Science, which Almut arneth's lead author, provides an overview of recent research into how airborne particles, aerosols, affect climate. There are particular Research shows that the reduction of sulfates and the increase of soot have contributed to the rapid warming of the Arctic. Another study shows that global warming is accelerating even faster if we are in full scale would use modern technology to reduce emissions of aerosols.

- We must of course reduce the emission of such sulfates, because they are harmful to our health. So the question is not whether we should introduce stricter measures to reduce air pollution, but what the impact will be, "said Almut arneth.

As we reduce air pollution, global warming increase. But it is often forgotten makers away when they take up climate change, says Almut arneth.

- The climate targets are set up today will be extremely difficult to achieve if at the same time aims to reduce air pollution, "said Almut arneth.

The article, entitled "Clean the Air, Heat the planet?" and published in the latest issue of Science