Greenhouse gases emissions and global climate change: Examining the influence of CO2, CH4, and N2O.

An in-depth analysis of the role of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in climate change is examined here along with their diverse sources, including the combustion of fossil fuels, agriculture, and industrial processes. Key GHG components such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are considered, along with data on emissions across various economic sectors. The consequences of climate change are also highlighted, ranging from more frequent and intense extreme weather events to rising sea levels and impacts on ecosystems and human health. The industrial revolution and unrestricted use of fossil fuels are key factors leading to an increase in GHG concentrations in the atmosphere. Global efforts to reduce emissions are considered, starting with the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and culminating in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The limited effectiveness of early initiatives is underscored, emphasizing the significant importance of the Paris Agreement that provides a global framework for establishing goals to reduce GHG emissions by country. The Green Climate Fund and other international financial mechanisms are also considered as essential tools for financing sustainable projects in developing countries. The global community faces the challenge and necessity for more ambitious efforts to achieve the set goals for reducing GHG emissions. Successful strategies are examined by Sweden, Costa Rica, and Denmark to achieve zero GHG emissions that integrate renewable energy sources and technologies. The importance of global cooperation for creating a sustainable future is also emphasized.

Impact of Covid-19 lockdown on air quality in the Poland, Eastern Europe.

The first case of COVID-19 in Poland was registered on 4 March 2020. Governmental measures significantly restricted social and economic activities. This study investigates the impact on air quality resulting from the preventive measures taken by the government to manage Covid-19. The study was carried out with use of aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) satellite and tropospheric column NO2 observed by Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). Concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and SO2) retrieved from ground-based air quality stations, located in five large cities of the country, were also used for quantitative assessment of air quality change. Ground-based and satellite data demonstrated the reduction of pollutants in the period of lockdown as compared to the same periods in 2018 and 2019. In particular, AOD data shows reductions of aerosol concentrations in the air column in April and May of approximately by -23% and -18% as compared to 2018-2019. The greatest contraction was for PM2.5 in April and May with reductions of -11.1% to -26.4% and from -8.7 to -21.1% respectively. For PM10, the reductions were from -8.6% to -33.9% and from -8.5% to -31.5% as compared to the same months in 2019. The results showed that restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 significantly improved Poland's air quality.

Spatial distribution and temporal variation of atmospheric pollution in the South Gobi Desert, China, during 2016-2019.

The rapid pace of economic growth and urbanization in China affects both large and small cities of the country, causing an increase of pollutant concentrations in the air. The South Gobi is one of the main deserts and semidesert regions of the country; therefore, the study of air pollution near the potential source of natural aerosols is of great importance. Data obtained in the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019 was used to analyze spatial-temporal characteristics of atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO) in eight cities. Total mean concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 36.1 ± 21.1 µg/m3 and 98.6 ± 108.7 µg/m3. The occurrence rates of concentrations exceeding the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard (CNAAQS) grade 1 and grade 2 were 40.1% and 5.4% for PM2.5 and 82.9% and 11.64% for PM10 in the region. Total concentrations of SO2, NO2, and CO did not exceed the CNAAQS standard and were 20.8 ± 23.6 µg/m3, 22.6 ± 11.9 µg/m3, and 0.72 ± 0.39 mg/m3, respectively. The PM2.5 to PM10 ratio increased from 0.35 in spring to 0.46 in winter suggesting the predominance of coarse aerosol fractions in the atmosphere. Based on data on aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent (AE) ratio obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the predominant aerosol types in the region are Clean Сontinental and Mixed. Maximum concentrations of pollutants and the highest AOD values in the region air are observed in spring and winter. Results set forth in this article will be an important basis for further regional studies on air quality and distribution of sources.