While cutting fossil fuel emissions has reduced deadly air pollution, it has also eliminated particles that cool the planet, potentially accelerating global warming.
Fossil fuel burning produces sulfur aerosols that reflect sunlight and cool the Earth.
Recent regulations have reduced these aerosols, potentially increasing global temperatures.
Scientists debate the extent of the warming, but agree it will impact climate goals.
Key quote:
“We’re starting from an area of deep, deep uncertainty. It could be a full degree of cooling being masked.”
— Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist and research lead for the payments company Stripe
Why this matters:
Particulate pollution, often blamed for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, also reflects some of the sun’s energy back into space. By cutting back on fossil fuels, we reduce these harmful emissions and improve air quality, but we also lose this reflective shield. The consequence? A potential acceleration of global warming.
First the province scrapped its carbon tax. Now clean energy advocates say they're being shut out of talks about the province's new plans to deal with heavy polluters.
The president tapped a bait-and-tackle shop owner and an array of administration officials to help him argue that slashing emissions regulations is actually good for the planet.
The matter is increasingly urgent because the Trump administration is said to have settled on the details of its rollback plan, which would quite likely split the American auto market.
