Less pollution is making Spain's heatwaves worse, researchers say

Less pollution is making Spain's heatwaves worse, researchers say, but the findings point to a complex climate mechanism rather than a direct replacement of greenhouse warming. A new study by the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, published in Geophysical Research Letters, suggests that lower levels of sulphate aerosols over Europe can reduce the tiny particles that reflect sunlight, allowing more solar radiation to reach the ground. The clearer-sky effect may strengthen extreme heat and influence atmospheric circulation, increasing the likelihood of persistent high-pressure systems that trap hot air over Western Europe. However, climate experts cited by the World Weather Attribution initiative say the dominant cause remains human-caused climate change driven by fossil-fuel greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers also note current heatwaves are far more likely than in the 1970s.