Brett, how soon do you think that countries will begin actually ‘scrubbing’ the air and water to remove pollution in an all-out effort to reverse global warming? … Will it really take blackened skies and toxic oceans before this kind of proactive response begins?

Brett, how soon do you think that countries will begin actually 'scrubbing' the air and water to remove pollution in an all-out effort to reverse global warming? ... Will it really take blackened skies and toxic oceans before this kind of proactive response begins? — Asked by Anonymous

That is an interesting question, yet embedded in it is a common misconception. Greenhouse gasses are actually invisible, like methane and carbon dioxide. These generally let visible light into the atmosphere, which heats the planet, but then traps the heat. On the other hand, particulates, visible pollution like soot from diesel motors, dust, and aircraft contrails actually reflect the heat before it reaches the planet.

Therefore, the visible pollution or “blackened skies” you mentioned will cause this global dimming, which ironically helps counteract global warming.

Obviously, the data suggests that the greenhouse gasses have been winning the battle, and we are heating up.

In terms of countries continuing to put teeth into regular emission regulations and carbon removal, I expect the developing world will continue to slowly ramp down pollution over the next couple of decades. The developed world will continue improving as well.

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