Report on Black Carbon Emissions
Context:
Recently a report was released by the Clean Air Fund. The report highlights the urgent need to tackle black carbon emissions to combat climate change and improve air quality.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Conservation)
What is black carbon?
- Black carbon is also known as soot.
- It is a component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which are short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP).
- They remain in the atmosphere for only a few days or weeks. But it leaves a significant impact on global warming.
Key Concerns and India’s Status:
- India is the second-largest emitter of black carbon after China.
- It accelerates glacier melting, especially in the Himalayas, contributing to regional climate changes and hydrological disruptions.
- It is responsible for nearly 39% of the mass loss of Yala Glacier in the Tibetan Plateau.
- Sector-wise Black Carbon Emissions:
- Transport: 35%
- Residential Energy: 20%
- Industry: 15%
- Energy Sector: 14%
- Agricultural Waste Burning: 9%
- Forest Fires & Waste Management: 7%
Recommendations to Reduce Black Carbon:
- Steps should be taken to clearly identify those sectors that emit a lot of black carbon.
- Heavy emitting sectors like gas flaring, shipping, and residential heating, especially in the Arctic region, should be brought under the government’s radar and regulations must be formulated to control or curb emissions.
- Integrate black carbon reduction into clean air and energy policies, including revisions to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Implement better waste management systems to curb emissions from burning and industrial waste.
Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements about black carbon is/are correct?
- It is a long-lived greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for decades.
- India is the largest emitter of black carbon in the world.
- Black carbon contributes significantly to glacier melting and regional climate changes.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
- A) 1 and 2 only
- B) 2 and 3 only
- C) 3 only
- D) 1, 2, and 3
(Answer: C) Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant (not long-lived), and India is the second-largest emitter after China.
