New Shipping Fuel Rules Linked to Unexpected Rise in Global Temperatures

Research indicates that the 2020 reduction in sulfur emissions from shipping fuels may have inadvertently increased atmospheric warming.

The 2020 IMO regulation cut sulfur content in shipping fuel by 80%, aiming to reduce air pollution.
The reduction in sulfur dioxide led to fewer sulfate aerosols, which previously helped cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight.
This change is estimated to account for 80% of the observed increase in heat energy retained on Earth since 2020.
Researchers warn of potential regional weather pattern disruptions due to this inadvertent geoengineering effect.
The findings highlight the complexity and unintended consequences of environmental regulations.