A Drop in Sulfate Emissions During the Coronavirus Lockdown Could Intensify Arctic Heatwaves

Climate scientist Michael Mann calls it a “Faustian bargain.” Burning fossil fuels releases heat-trapping greenhouse gases, but it also releases sulfate aerosols that help cool the planet. And with emissions for both types of gases way down because of coronavirus-related shutdowns, it could actually mean short-term melting in the Arctic this summer.