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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.
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reports that scientists were at first skeptical of global
dimming, which indicated Earth was getting cooler, because it
conflicted with evidence supporting global warming.
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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.
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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.
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notes how global dimming may be masking the full effects of
global warming.
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presents research showing that vapor trails left behind by
high-flying aircraft have a significant impact on daily
temperature range.
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provides estimates for the impacts of global warming and global
dimming.
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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.
