BSR Insight | Black Carbon Provides Climate Change Mitigation Opportunities
About the Author(s)
Raj Sapru, Former Director, Advisory Services
Publication Date
December 20, 2011
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Black carbon—which includes particles emitted from cars, trucks, stoves, industrial facilities, and some forest fires—is the second-largest contributor to climate change after carbon-dioxide emissions. This happens because when black carbon is suspended in the air, particles absorb sunlight and warm the atmosphere. Also, when black carbon is deposited on ice and snow, it decreases reflectivity and accelerates melting. In addition to accelerating global warming, black carbon has significant impacts on human health and crop yields.
However, black carbon is notably absent from climate reporting frameworks such as the Carbon Disclosure Project, the World Resources Institute’s Scope 3 standards, and the Global Reporting Initiative.
But there’s good news: These emissions are short-lived and efforts to control them are distinct from greenhouse gas emissions, creating opportunities for short-term climate change mitigation. A 2011 UNEP study highlights that efforts to reduce black carbon emissions are among the most cost-effective investments to mitigate climate change.
To help business understand how existing climate-management efforts can be deployed to reduce black carbon emissions, we will continue to include this issue as a significant part of a holistic climate strategy. For more information, contact Raj Sapru.
About the Author(s)
Raj Sapru, Former Director, Advisory Services
Topics
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