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CERN Study Finds Phytoplankton Supply 20% Sulfur, Boost Climate Resilience

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

CERN researchers, including Jasper Kirkby, reported phytoplankton emit more heat-mitigating aerosols, suggesting greater climate resilience.
The study estimates about 20 % of atmospheric sulfur comes from marine phytoplankton dimethyl sulfide emissions.
Kirkby said methylsulfonic acid (MSA) drives nucleation below –10 °C, growth below +10 °C, and may increase nucleation tenfold and growth twofold versus sulfuric-acid-ammonia.
The findings appeared in Nature on June 24 2026, noted by CERN director Gautier Hamel de Monchenault.

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Story summary

CERN researchers, including Jasper Kirkby, reported phytoplankton emit more heat-mitigating aerosols, suggesting greater climate resilience.
The study estimates about 20 % of atmospheric sulfur comes from marine phytoplankton dimethyl sulfide emissions.
Kirkby said methylsulfonic acid (MSA) drives nucleation below –10 °C, growth below +10 °C, and may increase nucleation tenfold and growth twofold versus sulfuric-acid-ammonia.
The findings appeared in Nature on June 24 2026, noted by CERN director Gautier Hamel de Monchenault.