11 - Anthropogenic aerosol emissions

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Aerosols (solid or liquid particles suspended in the air) have natural or human causes. Examples of natural causes: volcanic eruptions, pollen, sandstorms. Examples of human causes: industrial activities / combustion of fossil fuels, transport (diesel, tire wear and brakes), agriculture. Aerosols are bad for your health and are part of what we call “fine particles”.

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Causa

Anthropogenic aerosol emissions

The imperfect combustion of fossil fuels leads to aerosol emissions into the atmosphere.


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Consecuencias

Anthropogenic aerosol emissions

Some aerosols have a cooling effect, and others a warming effect (depending on their composition, their altitudes, and even the seasons), but overall, the radiative forcing of aerosols is negative and therefore has a cooling effect. In fact, aerosols will (1) reflect the sun's rays directly and (2) contribute to the formation of clouds which will also reflect the sun's rays.


Anthropogenic aerosol emissions

Even though they have a shorter lifespan than GHGs, the continuous emission of aerosols increases the aerosol load in the atmosphere.


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Otras causas posibles

Anthropogenic aerosol emissions

Agriculture is responsible for ammonia emissions, via fertilizer use and livestock. Ammonia then plays a role in the formation of aerosols.


Anthropogenic aerosol emissions

Concerning transport, there are emissions of aerosols through the wear of the braking systems. For the use of buildings, a major source of aerosol emissions is wood heating, especially with low-efficiency fireplaces.


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Consecuencias incorrectas

Anthropogenic aerosol emissions

Aerosols are small particles suspended in the air (fine particles, soot from volcanoes, etc.) and have no impact on the ozone layer. They should not be confused with aerosol bombs which used chlorine gases (CFCs), which were responsible for the hole in the ozone layer.