China’s Air Pollution Leading to More Erratic Climate for US, Say Scientists

The United States and Canada rank highest in energy consumption per capita, though China has now surpassed the United States in overall greenhouse gas emissions. A team of US researchers suggest that air pollution from China “is leading to more intense cyclones, increased precipitation and more warm air in the mid-Pacific moving towards the north pole,” reports Jonathan Kaiman for the Guardian. Particles from pollutants contribute to how storms track, their strength and rainfall, and concentrated pollution could mean more erratic weather in the United States: “The authors used advanced computer models to study interactions between clouds and fine airborne particles known as aerosols, particularly manmade ones such as those emitted from vehicles and coal-fired power plants.” Environmental authorities in Beijing will soon have power to close factories, punish officials and restrict development in some areas, Kaiman adds. Pollution contributes to health woes in China, and Chinese leaders promise more monitoring and limits on emissions. The official stance is that environmental protection takes priority over economic development. – YaleGlobal