WASHINGTON (AP) — An international team of scientists says it’s figured out how to slow global warming in the short run and prevent millions of deaths from dirty air. And they say their proposals would save more money than it would cost.
These experts say the key is cutting emissions of two powerful causes of global warming — methane and soot. Methane is produced by landfills, farms and energy production. Soot comes from burning coal, wood and other fuels. Reducing soot would save lives.
Most governments have focused on curbing carbon dioxide, the most significant greenhouse gas, which comes from using fossil fuels. The scientists came up with their new findings after running computer models of 400 different pollution control measures. The study is published online in the journal Science.