This project tackles one of the biggest uncertainties in climate science: how atmospheric aerosols affect clouds and, consequently, Earth's temperature. When aerosols interact with clouds, they can make clouds brighter and longer-lasting, which reflects more sunlight back to space and cools the planet. However, measuring this cooling effect is extremely difficult. Current satellite measurements often give inaccurate results because they can't easily separate aerosol effects from natural weather variations. This project will improve these estimates using three approaches: advanced computer simulations to correct satellite measurement errors, machine learning to distinguish aerosol impacts from weather patterns, and data from new satellites that provide better measurements of both aerosols and clouds. The results will help scientists make more reliable climate predictions, giving policymakers better information for decisions about climate action and preparing for climate-related risks.

2026

2030