This blog refers to James Hansen’s latest findings, expressed on this page:
https://mailchi.mp/caa/2025-global-temperature?e=737fb9744c
When you think of climate change, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane likely spring to mind. But did you know that reducing air pollution can ironically make global warming worse? Recent findings by renowned climate scientist James Hansen and his team have revealed exactly this surprising and troubling reality.
The Hidden Climate Factor: Aerosols
For decades, aerosol particles—tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels—have inadvertently shielded us from even more intense warming. These particles reflect sunlight back into space, creating a subtle cooling effect. However, stricter environmental regulations designed to clean our air, particularly in major economies like China—where ambitious air quality policies have sharply reduced aerosol pollution—and in the global shipping industry, have significantly decreased these aerosols.
This cleaner air is great for our lungs—but it’s unmasking a hidden dimension of climate change.
The Unveiling of True Climate Sensitivity
As aerosol pollution drops, the full warming potential of accumulated greenhouse gases becomes more apparent. Hansen’s recent data show that, following a record-breaking hot year in 2024, the expected cooling in 2025 (typically caused by a shift from El Niño to La Niña) has been surprisingly modest.
In simpler terms: Even natural events that traditionally cooled our planet are losing their power to counteract warming. We are entering a new climate reality.
Earth’s Energy Imbalance Grows
Our planet absorbs more energy from the sun than it radiates back into space—an imbalance amplified by fewer aerosol particles. This effect intensifies the warming already driven by greenhouse gases, leading to unexpectedly persistent high temperatures. Hansen’s analysis warns us that global temperatures are becoming less responsive to natural cooling cycles, raising the urgency to cut greenhouse gas emissions even more rapidly.
What Can We Do?
While cleaner air remains vital for human health, Hansen’s findings emphasize the critical need to simultaneously and rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a call for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike to understand the intricate connections in our climate system and take bold actions to address emissions at their source.
A Clear Sky, A Clear Warning
Cleaner skies reveal a clear message: the climate crisis requires a more urgent response than ever. Understanding these surprising dynamics is crucial for building effective strategies to protect our planet.
Let’s ensure that cleaner air doesn’t lead to a hotter future.
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