Global warming continues to be the number one environmental concern of our day. It turns out that the full impact of global warming may be masked by what is being called global dimming. In short, global dimming is the reduction in the amount of incoming solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth. It is caused by an increase in particulate matter (such as aerosols and dust, ie pollution) blocking out a percentage of incoming solar radiation. Whats happening is that the full affect of global warming is being counteracted by the cooling affect of blocking out the sun. The problem is that we are now cleaning up the particulate matter in the atmosphere but not the greenhouse gases so global temperatures may actually go up faster than ever expected. These five links are too the BBCs special on global dimming. Be aware the presentation is a little over the top.
BBCs Global Dimming - Part 1
BBCs Global Dimming - Part 2
BBCs Global Dimming - Part 3
BBCs Global Dimming - Part 4
BBCs Global Dimming - Part 5
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