scientists have learned another key reason – UNIAN

Scientists know that this year's unusual heat was caused by a number of factors: mainly pollution from the burning of fossil fuels and the natural climate phenomenon El Niño.

As CNN notes, these factors alone do not explain the unusually rapid rise in temperatures.

Now a new study published in the journal Science says it has identified the missing piece of the puzzle: clouds.

Scientists say the rapid surge in warming was exacerbated by a lack of low-lying clouds over the oceans – which could have alarming consequences for future warming. Fewer bright, low clouds mean the planet has darkened, allowing it to absorb more sunlight…