[ExI] In praise of pollution

[John K Clark]

There is a interesting article in the current issue of Nature, Author Dr 
Lina Mercado said:

"Surprisingly, the effects of atmospheric pollution seem to have enhanced 
global plant productivity by as much as a quarter from 1960 to 1999. This 
resulted in a net 10% increase in the amount of carbon stored by the land 
once other effects were taken into account."

They found that manmade aerosols cause less light to reach the surface 
(Global Dimming) but this is more than compensated for by the fact that it 
also diffuses the light, that is to say light comes in more directions so 
fewer leaves are in the shade.

 John K Clark