There are two main efforts in the approach to climate change; prevention and repair. Electric cars, more efficient power plants, solar and wind power are all examples of prevention efforts. Now a major discovery has been found for potential repair efforts.

First theorized in the 1950s, the Criegee biradical is a chemical intermediary in the oxidation process of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Using modern technology, the Universities of Manchester and Bristol, along with Sandia National Laboratories, have successfully observed and measured the particle. With this knowledge, researchers may be able to utilize it to off-set climate change. The particle has the ability to accelerate the formation of nitrate and sulphate, from the nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, within the atmosphere. The resulting aerosol can then cause cloud formation, which will cool the planet.

The chemicals needed to create Criegee biradicals are released from plants, so it is possible Nature has been doing this on its own. With this knowledge though, researchers may find a way to help it along.

Story can be found here: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/display/?id=7848