The trail of clues that our planet might be heating faster than we realised
Climate scientists are investigating whether the reduction of 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 mean the planet is more sensitive to greenhouse gases than previously estimated.
Why it matters
Understanding the interaction between different types of pollution is critical for accurate climate modeling and future environmental policy.
The trail of clues that 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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in