Atmospheric Pollution

They exclusively contribute to warming by absorbing infrared radiation.

They destroy ozone, leading directly to increased UV radiation at Earth's surface.

They increase cloud cover without affecting temperature or solar radiation levels.

They can lead to cooling by reflecting sunlight away from Earth’s surface.

Increasing albedo in urban areas by painting rooftops white to reflect sunlight.

Reducing deforestation rates in tropical rainforests through conservation efforts.

Replacing traditional biomass cookstoves with cleaner-burning alternatives in rural areas.

Introducing more electric vehicles into transportation networks worldwide.

Potential Cooling Effect Through Solar Radiation Management Paired With Unintended Disruption Regional Rainfall Cycles Due Shifts Atmospheric Circulation

While it might reduce incident solar radiation, stratospheric sulfate injection is likely to cause widespread algal blooms through increased nutrient deposition from the atmosphere.

The introduction of sulfates into the stratosphere can lead to enhanced ozone depletion, thereby amplifying surface UV radiation despite lower temperatures.

Stratospheric injection may indirectly increase sea level rise by altering ocean currents though overall global temperature might decrease.

Volcanic activity

Cellular respiration

Photosynthesis

Erosion

Volcanic eruptions

Biological processes

Lightning strikes

Forest fires

Dust storms and sea spray

Respiration of living organisms and biological processes

Burning fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions

Deforestation, land use changes, and urbanization

Diminished dissolution of oxygen, resulting in hypoxic conditions for marine life.

Increased absorption of CO2 leading to the formation of carbonic acid, which lowers pH.

Enhanced albedo effect causing a decrease in surface water temperatures.

Stimulation of excessive plankton growth leading to widespread algal blooms.

Particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO)

Methane, hydrogen sulfide, and chlorine

Ash, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon dioxide (CO2)

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Dust and particulate matter (PM)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane

Subsidizing all industries uniformly without regard to their pollution output or mitigation efforts.

Instituting a cap-and-trade system for emissions that provides economic incentives for pollution reduction.

Introducing a flat tax on emissions across all sectors regardless of individual environmental impact.

Banning all forms of industrial emission without providing alternatives or transition strategies.