The Paradox of Climate Action: Pollution Reduction Fuels Global Warming

Cutting air pollution, particularly sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, has led to a significant reduction in pollution-related deaths and improved air quality in China. However, the removal of this air pollution has also resulted in a rise in average temperatures by 0.7 degrees Celsius since 2014, exacerbating heatwaves and contributing to climate change. This "unmasking" effect, where the toxic shield of air pollution scatters and reflects solar radiation, highlights the complex relationship between reducing pollution and increasing global warming. Similar jumps in warming could occur in other highly polluted regions like India and the Middle East if they follow China's lead in cleaning up their skies. Experts emphasize the need for more aggressive action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, to offset the warming effects of pollution reduction.