Earth Sciences

Aerosols overtake greenhouse gases causing a warmer climate and more weather extremes toward carbon neutrality

P. Wang, Y. Yang, et al.

This groundbreaking study by Pinya Wang, Yang Yang, Daokai Xue, Lili Ren, Jianping Tang, L. Ruby Leung, and Hong Liao reveals that future reductions in aerosols could significantly accelerate climate warming and increase extreme weather events. Contrary to prior expectations, the research highlights the critical need for GHG and ozone reductions to mitigate these adverse effects on our climate, paving the way for a comprehensive understanding of carbon neutrality impacts.

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Abstract

This study assesses the global impacts of changing greenhouse gases (GHGs), aerosols, and tropospheric ozone (O₃) following a carbon neutrality pathway on climate and extreme weather events. Using the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1), the results suggest that future aerosol reductions significantly contribute to climate warming and increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Aerosol impacts far outweigh those of GHGs and tropospheric O₃, reversing previous predictions. Substantial reductions in GHGs and tropospheric O₃ are necessary to mitigate the harmful effects of aerosol reductions under carbon neutrality.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Nov 09, 2023

Authors

Pinya Wang, Yang Yang, Daokai Xue, Lili Ren, Jianping Tang, L. Ruby Leung, Hong Liao

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