A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment suggests that Earth's increasingly clear skies may be contributing to the acceleration of global warming. Utilizing data from NASA's Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments, researchers have observed a significant rise in the amount of solar energy absorbed by the planet over the past decade. This surge in energy absorption surpasses what is expected from the effects of rising greenhouse gases alone.
The study attributes this phenomenon to a decrease in light-reflecting pollution, attributed to the implementation of cleaner fuels and power-plant scrubbers. It is estimated that cleaner air could be responsible for up to 40% of the increased energy warming the planet between 2001 and 2019.
However, the study also notes that falling pollution may not be the sole factor behind the observed trend of brighter skies. Other contributing factors include melting snow and ice exposing darker land, as well as changes in cloud behavior caused by warming temperatures. These observations challenge previous assumptions and highlight the complex interplay of various factors in Earth's climate system.
Despite the insights provided by the study, there are concerns about the future of monitoring efforts. The aging satellites housing the CERES instruments are nearing the end of their operational lives, posing a risk to the continuity of climate data collection. Efforts are underway to address this challenge, with climate modeling centers collaborating to glean insights from existing data and ensure the continuity of climate monitoring efforts.
As the planet continues to experience record-breaking heat and environmental changes, understanding the factors driving these trends becomes increasingly vital for informed decision-making and climate mitigation efforts.
More: https://www.science.org/content/article/clearer-skies-may-be-accelerating-global-warming
