Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Change

Abstract

Atmospheric chemistry examines the composition of the atmosphere and the chemical reactions that control the formation, transformation, transport, and removal of gases and particles. These processes are closely connected with climate change because greenhouse gases influence radiative forcing, while aerosols, ozone, clouds, and chemically reactive species can alter atmospheric energy balance and air quality. Human activities have changed concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone precursors, sulfur and nitrogen compounds, and particulate matter. Atmospheric reactions can also generate secondary pollutants and influence the lifetime of climate-relevant gases. This paper examines nine major dimensions of atmospheric chemistry and climate change, including atmospheric composition, greenhouse gases, photochemical reactions, aerosols, ozone chemistry, atmospheric transport, human emissions, feedbacks, and future mitigation approaches.