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How Accidental Geoengineering May Be Affecting Climate Change. [Re: rise in sea temperature]

threadreaderapp.com Thread by @hankgreen on Thread Reader App

@hankgreen: Massively under-reported science story because there's so much going on right now but...it turns out that we might have figured out what's causing this very scary spike. Quick thread, on how WE'VE BEEN A...…

Thread by @hankgreen on Thread Reader App

Scientists have discovered that the recent spike in global temperatures may be caused by a reduction in sulfur dioxide pollution from shipping vessels. Ships have long emitted sulfur dioxide, which cools the planet by seeding clouds and reflecting sunlight. However, new regulations that limit sulfur in ship fuels took effect in 2020, leading to a loss of this cooling effect equivalent to a large volcanic eruption each year. Models show this reduction in sulfur dioxide pollution can explain the extra warming seen in the North Atlantic. While pollution is bad, the new regulations provide a natural experiment that gives insight into how intentional geoengineering could potentially combat climate change in the future.

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