East Asia’s Pollution Cuts May Have Unintended Role in Warming, Study Finds

East Asia’s Pollution Cuts May Have Unintended Role in Warming, Study Finds
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Efforts to reduce air pollution in East Asia over the past decade have improved public health but may have inadvertently accelerated global warming, South China Morning Post reported. A study published in Communications Earth & Environment suggests that the sharp drop in aerosol emissions—particularly sulphur dioxide—may have lessened the atmosphere’s natural cooling effect, exposing the full impact of greenhouse gases.

Since 2013, sulphur dioxide levels in East Asia have fallen by about 75%, with China leading the cleanup. Researchers estimate this reduction could account for up to 0.05°C of the 0.06°C per decade global surface temperature rise since 2010. While air quality improvements are welcomed, experts warn that fewer aerosols may reduce cloud formation and increase solar radiation reaching the ground.

Scientists emphasize that greenhouse gases remain the main driver of global warming. Climate researcher Bjorn Samset said the findings highlight the complex dynamics of climate systems rather than criticize pollution controls. Experts, including those from China’s Academy of Sciences, stress that stronger carbon emission cuts are now even more critical. Although similar reductions in India and other regions are ongoing, the global climate impact is likely to be less due to regional atmospheric differences.