"Global Warming Increases Fine Dust Concentration"…Yonsei University and POSTECH Announce Research Results

A study has found that climate change caused by global warming affects the increase in fine dust concentration during spring in the East Asia region.

Professor Younghee Yoon of Yonsei University (left in the photo) and Professor Seunggi Min of Pohang University of Science and Technology (right in the photo) [Image source=Yonsei University]

According to Yonsei University on the 16th, a research team led by Professor Yoo Young-hee from Yonsei University's Department of Atmospheric Sciences and Professor Min Seung-gi from Pohang University of Science and Technology recently analyzed 24 cases of high-concentration fine dust to investigate the impact of warming on fine dust concentration.

Comparing the research results with actual cases, it was found that due to the effects of warming, fine dust concentrations increased by about 12% in Beijing, China, 16% in South Korea, and 18% in the southern region of Japan.

The research team explained that this phenomenon occurred because atmospheric stability increased due to the aftermath of warming, causing air pollutants including fine dust to be trapped near the ground. In particular, the atmospheric stabilization phenomenon was clearly observed near Beijing, China, and was identified as having a significant impact on the increase in fine dust concentration in that area.

Furthermore, due to global warming, the southwest and westerly winds during spring in the East Asia region have strengthened, resulting in more pollutants emitted from China being carried by the wind into South Korea and the southern region of Japan.

The strengthening of the southwest wind not only transported continental pollutants but also increased relative humidity. It was analyzed that the intensified winds increased not only the movement of continental pollutants but also the amount of water vapor. High relative humidity promotes the formation of secondary fine dust. In South Korea and the southern region of Japan, secondary fine dust concentrations increased by 12% and 18%, respectively, compared to primary fine dust due to the rise in relative humidity.

The research results were published on the 28th of last month in the internationally renowned journal in the field of climate and environment, Nature Partner Journals Climate and Atmospheric Science.

Professor Yoo Young-hee stated, “This study is significant in that it quantitatively revealed that air quality in East Asia can deteriorate due to climate change,” and emphasized, “Changes in air quality caused by climate change are highly likely to affect neighboring countries, so mutual cooperation among nearby countries is absolutely necessary.”

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