Criegee biradical could have 'cooling effect'

Criegee biradicals could have a 'cooling effect' on the planet by converting pollutants into compounds, leading to cloud formation that will shield the earth from the sun.

Scientists from the University of Manchester have found that pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, react with Criegee biradical which then neutralises the pollutants. The 'clean-up' effect has been found to react faster than expected, leading to bigger impact than previously thought.

The study shows that the natural ecosystem could be playing a crucial role in off-setting global warming by itself, which is positive news for sceptics who believe manufactured ways of off-setting global warming, such as renewable power and energy efficiency, are not delivering results fast enough.

Study leader Dr Carl Percival, from the University of Manchester, said: "We have been able to quantify how fast Criegee radicals react for the first time."

"Our results will have a significant impact on our understanding of the oxidising capacity of the atmosphere and have wide ranging implications for pollution and climate change."

Posted by Lauren Steadman