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NASA Satellite Finds 39 Unreported Sources of Toxic Air Pollution (phys.org)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Phys.Org: Using a new satellite-based method, scientists at NASA, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and two universities have located 39 unreported and major human-made sources of toxic sulfur dioxide emissions. A known health hazard and contributor to acid rain, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of six air pollutants regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The 39 unreported emission sources, found in the analysis of satellite data from 2005 to 2014, are clusters of coal-burning power plants, smelters, oil and gas operations found notably in the Middle East, but also in Mexico and parts of Russia. In addition, reported emissions from known sources in these regions were -- in some cases -- two to three times lower than satellite-based estimates. Altogether, the unreported and underreported sources account for about 12 percent of all human-made emissions of sulfur dioxide -- a discrepancy that can have a large impact on regional air quality, said Chris McLinden, an atmospheric scientist and lead author of the study. The co-author of the study, Nickolay Krotkov, says quantifying the sulfur dioxide bull's-eyes is a two-step process that would not have been possible without an improvement in the computer processing that transforms raw satellite observations from the Dutch-Finnish Ozone Monitoring Instrument aboard NASA's Aura spacecraft into precise estimates of sulfur dioxide concentrations, and the ability to detect smaller concentrations using a new computer program that precisely detects sulfur dioxide that had been dispersed and diluted by winds.
I'm sure the companies producing the sulfur dioxide monitor the exact ratio of the sulfur they release so that they can pay their share of the damages they do to their downwind neighbors in the form of acid raid damaging roofs and masonry as well as medical claims due to asthma attacks caused and/or triggered by their output.
As the title says. I also suggest using them on the War on Drugs- drug dealers randomly exploding tends to diminish enthusiastic gang activities for some reason, can't imagine why.
I knew it ...
The Russians have won. They have made the world a cesspool of distrust, greed, fear and hate.
The only solution to global warming is governments across the world agreeing. And so far in the history of the world, we haven't agreed to not kill each other yet. I have hope for love, but it is a long road to defeat hate.
...they're all large pick-up trucks in Florida, modified to "roll coal".
You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
The global warming cash is running out.
Next up, Acid Rain.
Who cares. As the republicans say: Fuck the planet, let God sort it out.
These dudes in Mexico, Russia, and the Middle East are pumping out "one of six air pollutants regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."
I'll bet those dudes are now worried about what happens next . . . next thing you know it, the U.S. President will give a speech subjecting them to a good scolding.
So emissions were 12% higher than expected? According to the models, our pants should be on fire with all the emissions we already have, now there's 12% more? Let's quick shut down our entire economy before something might happen!!
No matter how the rest of us restrict our pollution, a few rogue states, as this shows, will ruin the effort for naught. either we all row in the same direction or we might as well enjoy our last days. And the history of human tells us we'll NEVER all row the same direction; there will always be someone who takes economic or military advantage. Let the climate change chips fall where they may, mankind is unequipped morally and ethically to stop himself. Ever.
Seriously, Middle East and Russia were 2 of the 3 main sources. Neither are going to change. Mexico MIGHT.
I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
Because, you know, we can't allow America to be a super power anymore.
The article says: "In addition, reported emissions from known sources in these regions were -- in some cases -- two to three times lower than satellite-based estimates."
Does this mean "2 to 3 times greater", "1/2 to 1/3 lower", or "1/2 to 2/3 lower"?
This is exactly the sort of earth sciences and monitoring that the GOP in congress is trying to strip from NASA's (already woefully inadequate) budget when they say NASA should stick to space science and stop turning the cameras/instruments around to look back at the Earth.
The guy who said the election was rigged won the presidency with the second-most votes.