"The Unintended Consequences of Tackling a Dangerous Pollutant: Accidental Global Warming?"

The International Maritime Organization's 2020 regulations slashing sulfur content in ships' fuel by 80% to reduce air pollution may have inadvertently accelerated global warming by curbing the cooling impact of ship tracks. While some scientists argue that the reduction in shipping pollution could lead to an alarming acceleration in global warming, others believe the warming influence will be minimal. The debate underscores the complex relationship between pollution particles and clouds, with uncertainties about the exact impact of the fall in shipping pollution. However, it's clear that reducing air pollution must be tackled alongside reducing carbon emissions to avoid exacerbating global warming.