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Studies find global COVID-19 lockdowns have significantly reduced PM2.5 and NO2 pollution, but ozone up

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Levels of two major air pollutants have been reduced significantly since lockdowns began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a secondary pollutant—ground-level ozone—has increased in China, according to new research. For comparison, columns over the same time periods are shown for 2019. —Guy Brasseur.

Ozone 291
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Study finds rising temperatures increase risk of unhealthy ozone levels absent sharp cuts in precursors

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Ozone pollution across the continental United States will become far more difficult to keep in check as temperatures rise, according to new work led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The RCPs were chosen to represent a broad range of climate outcomes, based on a literature review. Ozone formation.

Ozone 199
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PSI team develops web tool for consumers to compare environmental impact of passenger cars in detail

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The system will graph lifecycle impact for a range of specified powertrains, for a large number of impact categories: Climate change [kg CO 2 -eq.]. Deterioration of the ozone layer [kg CFC-11-eq.]. The top sample above shows climate change impact; the subsequent chart shows human toxicity. Terrestrial toxicity [kg 1,4-DC.-eq.].

Mariner 435
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GISS study finds applying stricter non-CO2 vehicle emission standards worldwide would yield climate benefits in addition to major health and agricultural benefits

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Climate response to non-CO 2 vehicle emissions. Bars on the right show uncertainty ranges for 2070, including contributions from both forcing and climate sensitivity (67%; CI). Bars on the right show uncertainty ranges for 2070, including contributions from both forcing and climate sensitivity (67%; CI). Shindell et al.

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Field study finds soot particles absorb significantly less sunlight than predicted by models; climate models may be overestimating warming by BC

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Although viewed as a potential target in the global effort to reduce climate change, atmospheric black carbon particles absorb significantly less sunlight than scientists have predicted, according to a new study by an international team of researchers, published in the journal Science. —Cappa et al. Credit: Cappa et al.

Climate 261
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NOAA greenhouse gas index continues climbing; 1.29 in 2010

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NOAA’s updated Annual Greenhouse Gas Index (AGGI), which measures the direct climate influence of many greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, shows a continued steady upward trend. It also includes several chemicals known to deplete Earth’s protective ozone layer, which are also active as greenhouse gases. —i.e.,

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NASA GISS Study Finds That Methane Has an Elevated Warming Effect Due to Interactions With Aerosols

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Despite their limitations, GWPs are widely used for comparison among long-lived gases, forming the basis for worldwide political agreements on climate and carbon trading. And hydroxyls drive long chains of reactions involving other common gases, including ozone. Shindell et al. Drew Shindell. Drew Shindell.