Aerosols from Overseas Rival Domestic Emissions over North America

Abstract

Particles Without Borders Aerosols have important and often adverse impacts on atmospheric composition, air quality, and climate. However, aerosols can be transported long distances, limiting the efficacy of local regulations. Yu et al. (p. 566 ) used satellite data to estimate how much of the aerosol load in the atmosphere above North America originates overseas. Approximately half of the dust and pollution over North America comes from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Asian dust is the largest fraction of this total. Furthermore, potential increases in dust emissions in response to climate change might overwhelm any reductions in pollution from emerging Asian economies.