Difference between revisions of "Increase in Global Dimming"
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==Description:== | ==Description:== | ||
Global dimming is the trend in which the earth's surface keeps getting less exposure to solar light. Measurements of less light coming through our atmosphere have long been neglected by climatologists because it is hard to believe when you already know about [[Global Warming]]. | Global dimming is the trend in which the earth's surface keeps getting less exposure to solar light. Measurements of less light coming through our atmosphere have long been neglected by climatologists because it is hard to believe when you already know about [[Global Warming]]. | ||
The amounts of global dimming vary greatly between countries, in which the Soviet Union tops at 30%, Brittain with just 16% and the US with 20% from 1950-1990. Globally a 1 to 2 percent sunlight drop per decade was caused by this effect. | |||
==Enablers:== | ==Enablers:== | ||
Revision as of 17:21, 14 March 2005
Description:
Global dimming is the trend in which the earth's surface keeps getting less exposure to solar light. Measurements of less light coming through our atmosphere have long been neglected by climatologists because it is hard to believe when you already know about Global Warming. The amounts of global dimming vary greatly between countries, in which the Soviet Union tops at 30%, Brittain with just 16% and the US with 20% from 1950-1990. Globally a 1 to 2 percent sunlight drop per decade was caused by this effect.
Enablers:
- Air pollution: Particles reflecting light back into space
- Air pollution (particles): Clouds get darker, bigger droplets can attach because of air polution/particles.
Inhibitors:
- International treaties and agreements on reducing air polution: We have been seeing an actual decrease in air polution. Also some preliminary measurements have shown a decreasing global dimming effect in some countries.
Paradigms:
- Before: Global Warming is caused by excess CO2 in the air. However the amount of CO2 in the air should be responsible for a higher temperature increase than currently measured. Conclusion: Greenhouse effect is not so dependant of CO2 emission.
- After: Global dimming decreases the average earth's temperature. This might explain away the fact that temperatures have not risen accordingly with CO2 levels. Conclusion: Greenhouse effect in fact is very dependant of CO2 emissions, but global dimming has been soothing the effect.
Experts:
Climatologists.
Timing:
Measurements from 1950s to 1990s. Industrialization was largely responsible. Further up to date data might follow.