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How Air Pollution Delayed a Surge in Extreme Rain

Summary

A recently published peer-reviewed paper in Nature Communications reveals that aerosol pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, have significantly influenced rainfall patterns in the United States. Over the past few decades, aerosols, which reflect the sun's rays and cool the Earth, have counteracted the warming effects of greenhouse gases, delaying the anticipated increase in rainfall associated with climate change. The study, using data from rain gauges, uncovers the complex interaction between aerosols and greenhouse gases, showing that the Clean Air Act's reduction of aerosol pollution unleashed a trend of worsening floods. As regulations to further reduce aerosol emissions are considered, the research warns of increased flood risks and more severe storms, especially in the Southeastern United States.

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