Small steps, big impact

A study led by NASA climate scientists has concluded small steps toward reducing methane and soot emissions could slow global warming dramatically.

The study, which was published in the journal Science, offered 14 possible actions policy makers could take to slow the rate of global warming, according to the Washington Post. The suggestions included capturing methane from landfills and coal mines, eliminating wood-burning stoves, dampening emissions from diesel vehicles and avoiding burning agricultural waste. Simulations show that that better air quality could save anywhere from 700,000 to 4.7 million lives a year and global crop yields would increase by 30 to 135 metric tons annually as plants would have an easier time absorbing nutrients from the air.

“Even if you don’t believe climate change is a problem, these things are worth doing,” said NASA climate scientist Drew Shindell, the study’s lead author.