New shipping fuel regulations introduced in 2020 have significantly reduced sulphur dioxide emissions, but this has inadvertently contributed to ocean warming by reducing cloud cover that reflects sunlight. The reduction in SO2, which has a cooling effect by forming aerosols, may have been responsible for 80% of the planet's net heat uptake since 2020, particularly in busy shipping lanes. This finding highlights the complex relationship between pollution control and climate change.
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.
Thousands of people living near Mount Mayon in the Philippines have been evacuated to shelters due to health risks from ash and toxic gases spewing from the volcano. Seismology researchers have recorded at least one volcanic earthquake in the past 24 hours and red-hot rocks are falling from the crater. More than 12,800 people have been moved to evacuation centres. Mayon is considered one of the most volatile of the country's 24 active volcanoes. The frequent weather disasters in the region often kill people, ravage farms, and help to keep millions poor.
