Archive · 3 Jun 2025
Ocean Gas Could Increase, Potentially Cooling Planet: IITM Study
Tiny ocean creatures make a gas called DMS that might help cool the Earth.
This gas helps form clouds that reflect sunlight, like a natural sunshade.
A new study suggests that the amount of this gas released into the air could increase, which might slow down global warming a bit.
However, this increase isn't a complete solution.
The study also suggests that we still need to reduce pollution to fight climate change effectively, but this natural process helps to offset warming.
A new study by IITM examines dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and its impact on global warming.
DMS, a natural gas from oceans, helps form aerosols that reflect sunlight.
The study predicts DMS emissions may increase due to stronger winds and warmer sea temperatures.
Increase in DMS emissions is not a 'silver bullet' to fully offset global warming.
DMS emissions are expected to rise most in regions with fewer human-made aerosols.
- Who
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) scientists, along with researchers from other institutes.
- What
- A study on how dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a natural gas produced by ocean organisms, may influence global warming.
- When
- Study predicts changes from 1850 to 2100.
- Where
- Oceans, atmosphere, and specific regions like the Arctic and Southern Ocean.
- Why
- To understand the role of DMS in mitigating global warming and its potential impact in the future.
Environmental Concerns
Scientific Findings
Impact on Climate Change
Environmental Concerns
The cooling from increased DMS won't fully offset global warming; we must reduce emissions.
Scientific Findings
DMS emissions are expected to increase, offering a modest cooling effect.
- Gas Name
- Dimethyl sulfide (DMS)
- Source
- Microscopic marine organisms (phytoplankton)
- Effect
- Forms aerosols, reflecting sunlight
- Prediction
- DMS emissions could rise 1.6%-3.7% by 2100
- Primary Category
- Science