This study has a strange conclusion. I'm confused when they say the only negative impact of SO2 is acid rain, and that it is not a problem for India. They go as far as saying sulfur emissions should persist because they cool the planet. Isn't SO2 a harmful pollutant? - ThreadSky

neelima.bsky.social • 34 days ago

This study has a strange conclusion. I'm confused when they say the only negative impact of SO2 is acid rain, and that it is not a problem for India. They go as far as saying sulfur emissions should persist because they cool the planet. Isn't SO2 a harmful pollutant?

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overshot.bsky.social•34 days ago

Maybe because India is already near the wet bulb limits? So removing the warming masking would be disastrous very quickly? Another faustian bargain?

neelima.bsky.social•33 days ago

It doesn’t seem like that’s the reasoning behind their recommendation.

overshot.bsky.social•33 days ago

Note. I'm just a lay person, so I'm just trying to understand. I could be entirely wrong on this.

overshot.bsky.social•33 days ago

"The study argues for SO2 ... IPCC ... Having 'masked' global warming by 0.5C".
SO2 will have a localised effect, so removing it will have much more than 0.5C effect in India itself. Last year was nuts. I know of staff who didn't travel to the office because the commute was dangerously hot.

deepush.bsky.social•33 days ago

We do not get acid rain due to presence of alkaline aerosols (soil dust) (e.g. Khemani, L. T., et al. "Spread of acid rain over India." Atmospheric Environment 1967). This does not negate the fact that SO2 is harmful to health. It would be interesting to look at IITD 2024 paper they are referring.

judyw.bsky.social•34 days ago

The London Smog in the early 1950s was thick with acidic sulphur from the smoke produced by the low quality lignite coal that heated and powered the city. It was deadly.

neelima.bsky.social•33 days ago

Exactly! One scientist I spoke to previously said upto 50-60% of aerosol composition over India was SO2. I’m surprised by this report now saying sulfate emissions are fine.

judyw.bsky.social•33 days ago

I think the trade off between reducing sulphur pollution and the costs incurred in doing so - cash, increased use of fresh water and higher CO2 emissions is what's driving this policy change. India urgently needs to move away from fossil fuels to renewables.

judyw.bsky.social•33 days ago

The report is lying.

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