The trail of clues that our planet might be heating faster than we realised
Climate scientists are investigating whether the reduction in sulphur pollution, which previously had a cooling effect, is accelerating global warming. While carbon dioxide remains the primary driver of climate change, the loss of this 'masking' effect may be causing temperatures to rise faster than previously modeled.
Why it matters
Understanding the interaction between air quality policies and climate sensitivity is crucial for accurate global warming projections.
The trail of clues that suggest our planet might be heating faster than we realised
By Justin Rowlatt Climate Editor This July, during Britain's record-breaking hot summer, a curious row broke out on X over climate science.
Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice shared a Telegraph article headlined: "Heatwaves caused by fall in pollution." He said cleaner air, rather than carbon dioxide, was behind higher temperatures and claimed the public had been "gaslit".
He was wrong to suggest that carbon dioxide is not the primary driver of global warming. But the science he was distorting is real - and much more interesting than his original claim.
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