relates how the first signs of global dimming came in the 1980s when one
scientist—who measured sunlight amounts over Israel in the
1950s—found a 22 percent drop in sunlight 20 years later.
reports
that scientists were at first skeptical of global dimming, which indicated
Earth was getting cooler, because it conflicted with evidence supporting global
warming.
explains how a decline in pan evaporation rates worldwide, and
correlation of the evaporation rates with measured declines in sunlight,
further supported the hypothesis of global dimming.
describes an experiment measuring the atmosphere over the Maldives that
revealed polluted air was causing global dimming.
details how polluted air was creating clouds with 10 times more particles
than naturally occurring clouds, and that the polluted
clouds were both preventing sunlight from getting through and reflecting more
sunlight back into space.
reports on research indicating that global dimming may have affected
normal weather patterns, including altering rainfall patterns that led to a
20-year drought in sub-Saharan Africa.
notes how global dimming may be masking the full effects of global
warming.
presents research showing that vapor trails left behind by high-flying
aircraft have a significant impact on daily temperature range.
provides estimates for the impacts of global warming and global
dimming.
predicts what may happen to parts of the world if revised global warming
estimates are true.
describes a new controversial climate analysis that predicts that
temperatures could rise by as much as 10 degrees Celsius by 2100.
emphasizes the urgent need to address the causes of global warming.
NOVA investigates the evidence for a little-known phenomenon called global dimming and explores its potential impact on climate worldwide.
