NASA | Ship Tracks Reveal Pollution's Effects on Clouds

The video explores how clouds, visible from space, cover over half of the Earth and help keep it cool by reflecting sunlight. However, human activities, particularly pollution, can alter cloud brightness. The MODIS satellite shows that pollution from ships creates brighter clouds by increasing cloud droplet numbers. While this might suggest a potential cooling effect, scientists believe it won't significantly counteract global warming due to the heat-trapping nature of greenhouse gases present in the same pollution.

What is the significance of the MODIS instrument in studying clouds and pollution?

Discuss the potential impact of air pollution on global warming as mentioned in the text.