EYJAFJALLAJOKULL BETTER FOR CLIMATE THAN MAN

Green groups point to ash cloud silver lining
Gerard Wynn and Alister Doyle (w/Janet McBride), April 21, 2010 (Reuters)

"Iceland's erupting volcano has spewed plenty of ash but far less greenhouse gas than Europe's grounded aircraft would have generated.

"Carbon dioxide emissions totalled 150,000 tonnes a day in the early days of the eruption, according to Durham University. That compares with 510,000 tonnes per day emitted when planes are flying as normal over the continent…"

Eyjafjallajokull ash. Say it 3 times fast. (click to enlarge)

"But experts cautioned it was hard to draw conclusions about the overall impact of pollution because more cars and buses were on the roads to help stranded travellers and the volcano is emitting a nasty cocktail of toxins…

"Planes add to global warming through emissions of carbon, other chemicals and their vapour trails…They also produce pollutants and noise around airports…The first analysis of air quality around London's two busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, showed that pollutants which can cause respiratory problems had plummeted…"

Think they appreciate what a good thing it was? (click to enlarge)

"Aviation in 32 European nations emitted 510,000 tonnes a day of CO2 in 2007…Assuming two-thirds of flights are cancelled, that means a cut of 340,000 tonnes a day, not counting non-European carriers…University of Durham [geologist Colin Macpherson] estimated the volcano's initial emissions at 150,000 tonnes of CO2 a day, drawing on data from a previous eruption.

"Northerly winds helped limit health damage from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland, blowing the ash off-shore to Europe. And air quality in nations including Britain and Norway has been largely unaffected because little ash has reached the ground so far."