Mains Daily Question
March 20, 2024
Q.3 Write the significance and challenges of the rising aerosols in the atmosphere. (10M/150W)
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Approach to the answer The question talks about the rise in the aerosols in the atmosphere. Here in the first part, we need to write the significance of the aerosols in the atmosphere and in the second part mention the challenges of rising aerosols in the atmosphere. At the end we need to provide suggestions for the challenges.
Introduction: We can introduce the question by giving some facts and data regarding to the rising aerosols from some reports like IPCC.
Body: As the directive is to write, first we need to explain the significance of the aerosols with relevant facts and data. In the second part, write about the challenges of the rising aerosols with some examples to validate your points.
Conclusion: We can conclude the answer by giving some measures to tackle the rising aerosols in the atmosphere. |
Answer:
According to the IPCC report, the level of anthropogenic aerosols in the atmosphere is on the rise. Anthropogenic aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air created mostly by air pollutant like particulates and smoke emitted from vehicles, industries and other sources.
Significance of the aerosols in the atmosphere
- Cooling effect: Recent studies have found that aerosols can reduce temperatures by up to 0.5°C in some regions. This cooling effect can help to counterbalance the effects of global warming.
- Cloud formation: Aerosols can also act as cloud condensation nuclei, which can result in increased cloud formation. This increased cloud formation can help reflect more sunlight, which can in turn reduce temperatures even further.
- Reflection of UV rays: Aerosols can also help to reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface thus reducing the risk of skin cancer and other health risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
- Air purification: By reflecting sunlight and acting as cloud condensation nuclei, aerosols can help to remove pollutants from the atmosphere. They can also help to reduce the formation of smog and ozone at ground level.
- Reduce forest fires: Aerosols can also help to reduce the risk of wildfires by reflecting sunlight. Aerosols can reduce the amount of heat that is present in the atmosphere, thus reducing the risk of wildfires.
Challenges of rising aerosols:
- Air Quality: Aerosols can reduce air quality and cause serious health problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease, as well as reduced visibility, by increasing concentrations of pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
- For example, aerosols can act as “seeds” that help convert nitrogen oxides in the air into particulate matter.
- Climate change: The aerosols in the atmosphere can cause changes to the climate, resulting in extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, and floods.
- Reduced visibility: Aerosols can reduce visibility, making it difficult to see distant objects.
- For example: In India, studies have shown that aerosols can reduce visibility by up to 10 km.
- Acid rain: Aerosols can also contribute to acid rain, which can be damaging to plants, animals, and infrastructure.
- Ozone depletion: Aerosols can also contribute to ozone depletion, which can damage ecosystems and lead to increased skin cancer risk.
- For example: aerosols from South Asia are contributing to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere.
- Loss of crop yields: Aerosols get deposited on the plants and reduce incoming solar radiation. This reduces photosynthesis and can also reduce crop yields, leading to food insecurity.
- For example: aerosols can reduce crop yields in India by up to 15%.
- Ocean acidification: Aerosols can also contribute to ocean acidification, which can have an adverse impact on marine ecosystems.
- For example: aerosols from South Asia are contributing to ocean acidification in the Indian Ocean (Nature Climate Change journal)
Overall, the rising levels of aerosols in the atmosphere have the potential to cause serious environmental and health consequences. It is therefore important to continue to monitor aerosol levels and to take steps to reduce pollution from sources such as vehicle emissions and agricultural practices.
