The world regulated sulfur in ship fuels − and the lightning stopped
5 days ago
- #lightning
- #climate-change
- #ship-emissions
- Lightning activity over the Port of Singapore's busiest shipping lane is influenced by ship emissions.
- New international regulations in 2020 reduced sulfur emissions from ships by 77%, leading to a 50% drop in lightning over shipping lanes.
- Aerosol particles from ship emissions act as seeds for cloud formation, affecting storm clouds and lightning generation.
- The reduction in sulfur emissions decreased the number of ice crystals in clouds, leading to fewer lightning strokes.
- Research suggests human pollution impacts thunderstorms, but the exact mechanisms remain complex and not fully understood.
- Scientists continue to study how aerosol particles influence lightning, storm intensity, and global climate patterns.