Jorge Olcina

Position

Professor of Regional Geographical Analysis at the University of Alicante

Topics

Although reducing aerosol emissions improves air quality and public health, a study shows that it contributes to an acceleration of global warming

Although reducing aerosol emissions improves air quality and public health, a study shows that it contributes to an acceleration of global warming

SMC Spain

Between 2013 and 2023, global emissions of anthropogenic air pollutants decreased significantly thanks to various regulations, improving air quality and public health. However, aerosols that form part of these emissions reduce incoming solar energy. According to a study published in PNAS, this means that 52% of the acceleration in global warming can be attributed to the reduction of atmospheric aerosols over that decade, compared with the period between 1970 and 2012. The study focused on the reduction of emissions from three major sources: China, land regions outside China, and international shipping. According to the authors, air pollution mitigation policies should focus on reducing CO₂ and methane emissions, rather than solely targeting overall reductions in atmospheric pollution.

Historical carbon emissions will generate greater economic costs in the future than they have already caused to date

pollution

Historical carbon emissions will generate greater economic costs in the future than they have already caused to date

SMC Spain

The economic costs of CO₂ emissions can be calculated in three ways: through the historical damages resulting from past emissions; through the expected future damages caused by those past emissions; and through the expected future damages from current or future emissions. A study published in Nature concludes that the future economic costs associated with past emissions could be at least ten times higher than the costs already incurred from those same emissions. The authors estimate that one tonne of CO₂ emitted in 1990 caused $180 (around €155) in global damages up to 2020, but will generate an additional $1,840 (nearly €1,590) by 2100. The analysis covers countries, high-net-worth individuals and major companies, as well as behavioural patterns, including taking an additional long-haul flight each year or choosing a non-vegetarian diet.

Report estimates 8% loss of GDP by 2050 due to global water crisis

economics

Report estimates 8% loss of GDP by 2050 due to global water crisis

SMC Spain

An international report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water says the water crisis puts more than half of the world's food production at risk by 2050. It also claims that it threatens an average loss of 8% of GDP in countries around the world by 2050, with losses of up to 15% in the lowest income countries.

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