Cutting Four Pollutants Would Slow Sea Level Rise

We have known for over a decade that cutting four specific atmospheric heat-trapping pollutants can slow sea level rise. According to common scientific views the main cause of sea level rise is the warming of the world due to greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which traps heat and causes ocean waters to heat up and expand[1]. This is an update of an article we posted in 2013 which stated that scientists found that reductions in four particular pollutants that cycle comparatively quickly through the atmosphere could temporarily forestall the rate of sea level rise by roughly 25 to 50 percent.[1] The four heat-trapping pollutants are: methane, tropospheric ozone, hydrofluorocarbons and black carbon. These gases and particles can last anywhere from a week to a decade in the atmosphere. They can also influence climate more quickly than carbon dioxide gas, which persists in the atmosphere for centuries.

Ocean inertia, which refers to the slow process of removing extra ocean heat caused by greenhouse gases, contributes to the continuous rise in sea levels[1].

You Can Help

To personally reduce atmospheric methane, tropospheric ozone, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and black carbon emissions, you can take the following actions:

1. Methane emissions:
– Conserve energy at home, work, and everywhere[2].
– Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible[2].
– Keep your vehicle properly tuned and inflate tires to the recommended pressure[3].
– Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products[2].
– Compost leaves and yard waste[2].
– Consider using gas logs instead of wood for heating[2].

2. Tropospheric ozone:
– Follow the tips mentioned above for methane emissions, as they also apply to reducing ozone emissions.

3. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):
– Support the phase-down of HFC production and consumption, and advocate for the replacement of HFCs with climate-friendly alternatives[7].
– Purchase products that use climate-friendly or natural alternatives to HFCs[7].

4. Black carbon:
– Reduce the number of trips you take in your car[2].
– Use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk whenever possible[2].
– Keep your vehicle properly tuned and inflate tires to the recommended pressure[3].
– Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials[2].
– Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof”[2].

By adopting these practices, you can contribute to reducing atmospheric emissions of methane, tropospheric ozone, hydrofluorocarbons, and black carbon, which in turn can help mitigate the effects of sea level rise and climate change.

Slowing Sea Level Rise

Some ways individuals can reduce atmospheric pollutants and slow sea level rise include:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Decreasing the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases can help slow down sea level rise.

2. Conserving energy: Using energy-efficient appliances, heating systems, and light bulbs can help reduce air pollution.

3. Reducing vehicle usage: Carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or walking can help decrease vehicle emissions and contribute to cleaner air.

4. Proper waste disposal: Implementing proper waste disposal systems and reducing littering can help prevent ocean pollution and its consequences, such as harm to marine species and coastal ecosystems.

5. Planting and caring for trees: Trees filter pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen into the atmosphere, helping to cool homes and reduce air pollution.

By implementing these strategies and focusing on pollution prevention, it is possible to slow down sea level rise and mitigate its impacts on the environment and human societies.

Citations:

^{[1] https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2533/short-lived-greenhouse-gases-cause-centuries-of-sea-level-rise/
[2] https://www.texasdisposal.com/blog/ocean-pollution-causes-effects-and-prevention/
[3] https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/what-you-can-do-about-air-pollution
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758961/
[5] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marine-pollution/
[6] https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process/managing-air-quality-control-strategies-achieve-air-pollution
[7] https://www.climatecentral.org/news/pollution-key-driver-late-20th-century-sea-rise-20232
[8] https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/marine-plastic-pollution
[9] https://www3.epa.gov/region1/airquality/reducepollution.html
[10] https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-04/nsf-csa041713.php}