Current Affairs - Environment - Discussion

Aerosols are tiny particles or droplets suspended in the atmosphere, often resulting from industrial pollution, especially from coal combustion. Unlike greenhouse gases that trap heat and contribute to long-term warming, aerosols reflect incoming solar radiation, which leads to a temporary cooling of the Earth's surface. However, they also disrupt the water cycle and can suppress or enhance rainfall. The reduction of aerosols, while beneficial for human health, could lead to a sudden spike in temperatures due to the removal of their cooling effect. This paradox is critical in forming balanced environmental and climate policies, particularly for countries like India.