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Finnish researchers observe that natural aerosols might slow down global warming

• ByStartupStory     |    September 28, 2021

A recent study at the university of eastern Finland has shown that volatile organic compounds emitted by vegetation form atmospheric aerosol which makes the clouds brighter. Brighter clouds reflect more sunlight which prevents the solar lights from hitting the surface and therefore helps keep the surface cool. Atmospheric aerosols scatter and absorb solar light while influencing the formation of clouds. However, due to a lack of knowledge about these processes, it’s difficult to figure out the role of atmospheric aerosols in climate change. Moreover, we need to learn to separate the effects of natural and anthropogenic aerosols.

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland estimated the impact of volatile organic compounds emitted by boreal forests on aerosol concentration and cloud properties. The observations proved that biogenic aerosols emerging from volatile organic compounds reduced the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface by scattering more radiation back to space. These aerosols apparently increased the number of cloud droplets and made clouds more reflective. Both processes become stronger as the temperature increases. It suggests that these natural aerosols can slow down global warming. The effects observed from the anthropogenic aerosols have shown similar results to that of the biogenic aerosols.

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