I read an article on global warming, an issue that is alarming seriously today. As we knew global warming is increase of temperature and causes climate change. This article highlighted how soot contributes to global warming. Although it is a less notorious form of carbon, it is relatively dangerous to the environment. It is described as fine, black, powdery pollutant contributed from diesel engines, power plants, clearing of forest and open cook stoves. As it settles to the ground it is said to absorb sunlight, warmes up and radiates heat.
However, this article has highlighted that sulphate and nitrate particles help to particles overcomes the effect of soot as it reflects sunlight and gives a cooling effect to the ground. However, combination of these particles with so enhances global warming as it form a new form of substance.The high solar energy absorption of soot aerosols is significantly increased when coated with sulphates and nitrates from the atmosphere.
Heating effects are rising due to the amount of soot produced by diesel engines and other sources contributing to warming. It is believed that soot blown to the north is likely to fasten the warming of Artic. Researchers also believe that soot contributes to shrinking cover in the Himalayas.
What are the measure been carried out to overcome this problem?
By the year 2030, it is expected to reach zero emission of soot. Scientist have found out that capturing soot is easier than controlling carbon dioxide emission. Particle traps are installed in vehicles to cut emission form diesel engines by 90% and more. Coal-power fired plants are made to install bag house filters. Even China and India has involved in the campaign of controlling soot emission where by, by swapping biomass and coal stoves for nearly soot free gas burning cookers.A test carried out at EPA has stated that eliminating black carbon could immediately slow down the loss of Artic ice. Measures are highly being implemented to prevent catastrophic climate change, in the war of climate change tackling black carbon may be a relatively simple and powerful flux says this article.
World countries are invited to join hands to reduce their annual emmission of carbon dioxide.Besides that usage of new technologies to eliminate emission of soot are highly recommended in diesel engines, coal power plants. Vehicles running on diesel engines are expected to be replaced with modern gasoline engines that emit virtually no soot although it does contributes to carbon dioxide. Indoor burning of coal and biomass to be reduced and therefore global warming might be mitigated marginally.
Article source: http://discovermagazine.com/2009/sep/9-the-easiest-way-to-fight-global-warming/article
by Panimalar Baskaran
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