In a bid to reduce air pollution, ships are now using cleaner fuels. However, this may have unintended consequences on the Earth’s climate. A recent study published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment on May 30 suggests that the switch to low-sulfur fuel by ships has contributed to global warming. The study predicts that this change in fuel could cause the rate of warming to double or more this decade, potentially leading to record-breaking temperatures.
The use of less polluting fuel in ships was brought about by International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations that came into effect in January 2020. These regulations aimed to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from the global shipping industry by 80%. While this has been effective in reducing air pollution, it has also had unintended consequences on the Earth’s climate.
Sulfur pollutants contain tiny particles that help reflect sunlight into space, making clouds act as mirrors and creating a temporary cooling effect on Earth. With cleaner fuels reducing the amount of sulfur particles in the atmosphere, this reflection effect is reduced, potentially speeding up the warming process. The study found that this effect was particularly noticeable in the North Atlantic, contributing to warmer sea surface temperatures and record-breaking global temperatures in recent years.
The research team also explored technology that injects particulate matter into clouds to increase heat reflection as a potential way to slow global warming. However, the long-term impacts of this technology are still uncertain and controversial. While human activity remains the main cause of global warming, factors like reduction of sulfur emissions from ships and natural weather patterns like El Nino can also play a role in the warming trend experienced in recent years.
In conclusion, while ships are using cleaner fuels for environmental reasons, it may come at a cost of clouds’ ability to reflect sunlight into space. The switch to low-sulfur fuel could lead to an increase in global temperatures if not addressed carefully.
