Pollution 'fights global warming'

[The Straight Story]

Pollution 'fights global warming'

Air pollution may be helping the fight against global warming by enhancing the ability of plants to absorb carbon dioxide, scientists say.

Since the 1960s, increased levels of atmospheric pollution have enhanced plant productivity by as much as one quarter, research has found.

In terms of carbon dioxide, this means that an extra 10% has been stored in the soil.

The research was published in the scientific journal, Nature.

It is a common assumption that plants grow best in clear sunny weather, but scientists say this is not always the case.

Research has shown that forests and crops can also thrive in hazy conditions because clouds and particles in the atmosphere scatter sun light so that it bathes more leaves.

That enhances photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn light and carbon dioxide into food.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8013709.stm