A study using satellite observations of volcanic eruptions in Hawaii reveals that aerosol-induced increases in tropical marine cloud cover significantly cool the Earth by enhancing sunlight reflection. This finding suggests that current global warming is driven by a weaker net radiative forcing than previously thought, due to the competing effects of greenhouse gases and aerosols. The study highlights the potential of marine cloud brightening (MCB) as a method to mitigate global warming, particularly in humid and stable tropical conditions where solar radiation is strong. The research demonstrates that aerosol-induced increases in cloud cover can lead to substantial cooling, with a strong negative aerosol forcing observed. The study also shows that cloud cover increases significantly in response to volcanic aerosol injections, contributing to enhanced shortwave cooling at the top of the atmosphere. The findings indicate that MCB could be more effective than previously thought, especially under humid and stable conditions. However, the study also underscores the need for a better understanding of aerosol-cloud interactions to assess the risks and benefits of MCB. The research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of aerosol effects on clouds and climate, emphasizing the importance of further studies to improve climate models and assess the potential of MCB as a climate mitigation strategy.A study using satellite observations of volcanic eruptions in Hawaii reveals that aerosol-induced increases in tropical marine cloud cover significantly cool the Earth by enhancing sunlight reflection. This finding suggests that current global warming is driven by a weaker net radiative forcing than previously thought, due to the competing effects of greenhouse gases and aerosols. The study highlights the potential of marine cloud brightening (MCB) as a method to mitigate global warming, particularly in humid and stable tropical conditions where solar radiation is strong. The research demonstrates that aerosol-induced increases in cloud cover can lead to substantial cooling, with a strong negative aerosol forcing observed. The study also shows that cloud cover increases significantly in response to volcanic aerosol injections, contributing to enhanced shortwave cooling at the top of the atmosphere. The findings indicate that MCB could be more effective than previously thought, especially under humid and stable conditions. However, the study also underscores the need for a better understanding of aerosol-cloud interactions to assess the risks and benefits of MCB. The research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of aerosol effects on clouds and climate, emphasizing the importance of further studies to improve climate models and assess the potential of MCB as a climate mitigation strategy.