Cutting Emissions May Speed Global Warming
Well this is unexpected. Scientists in the UK are going to release a report on the BBC called “Global Dimming” detailing research that suggests that by-products of fossil fuel use are actually helping to keep the earth cool. These particles, such as sulfur dioxide, reflect sunlight, and reduce temperatures. Think of it the earth wearing a white t-shirt, instead of a black one.
I don’t know if these claims are true, but expect these guys to be crucified by everyone who makes a living preaching fear about the evils of fossil fuels.
Cutting down on fossil fuel pollution could accelerate global warming and help turn parts of Europe into desert by 2100, according to research to be aired on British television on Thursday.
“Global Dimming,” a BBC Horizon documentary, will describe research suggesting fossil fuel by-products like sulfur dioxide particles reflect the sun’s rays, “dimming” temperatures and almost canceling out the greenhouse effect.
The researchers say cutting down on the burning of coal and oil, one of the main goals of international environmental agreements, will drastically heat rather than cool climate.
“When the cooling affect goes away — and it must do because particles like sulfur dioxide are damaging to humans — global warming will be much stronger,” climate change scientist Dr Peter Cox told Reuters on Wednesday.
Temperatures could increase in the worst case by up to 10 degrees by the end of the century, the researchers said — much more than current estimates.
Scientists differ as to whether global warming is caused by man-made emissions of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse” gases, by natural climate cycles or if it exists at all.
Reuters: Fossil Fuel Curbs May Speed Global Warming: Scientists
