The Impact of El Niño and La Niña on the Distribution of Global Air Pollutants

This study explores the impact ENSO, which influences the atmospheric circulation and results in changes in climate in the Equatorial Pacific area, on the global distribution of air pollutants. ENSO affects the distribution of aerosols, especially springtime aerosols in Southeast Asia and East Asia: following El Niño events, aerosol concentrations in these regions increase, whereas they decrease after La Niña events. ENSO-related disasters such as wildfires and floods also impact the total quantity and distribution of air pollutants. In the future, continuous monitoring and research into the interactions between ENSO and air pollutants are required to further understand these complex dynamics and develop evidence-based policies. As global warming intensifies, the frequency of strong or continuous ENSO events may increase, necessitating multifaceted approaches to disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.