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Black Carbon and Climate Change: Do You Know How Rapidly It Could Heat the Earth?
Black carbon, a dark-colored form of carbon that absorbs light waves, is a residue from rapid pyrolysis or incomplete combustion. Not only does it pose a threat to health, it is also a major factor affecting the global climate. However, the existence of black carbon is often overlooked, especially in discussions on climate change mitigation, and a deeper understanding of its role is particularly important.
Black carbon is formed from the incomplete combustion of biofuels and fossil fuels and is one of the main climate forcing factors for global warming.
Where does the impact of black carbon on the Earth come from? Scientists such as Tihomir Novakov have studied it since the 1970s and found that black carbon can heat the atmosphere by absorbing sunlight and reduce the albedo on snow, further contributing to global warming. According to the study, the total climate forcing of black carbon is about 1.1 watts per square meter.
Black carbon stays in the atmosphere for only days to weeks, making its impact more obvious and urgent than that of carbon dioxide.
In climatology, reducing black carbon emissions is considered an effective way to mitigate short-term global warming. This is because black carbon has a relatively short life cycle and its impacts need to be controlled within a short period of time. Many countries have already started working to reduce black carbon emissions to reduce its health risks and negative impacts on the climate.
Looking back at history, the UK successfully reduced the concentration of black carbon in cities after implementing the Clean Air Act in 1956. This adjustment not only improved the local environment, but also led other countries to pay attention to the impact of black carbon. However, as emissions from developing countries rise, the black carbon problem is becoming more serious worldwide, especially in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
In today's world, China and India account for 25% to 35% of global black carbon emissions, showing the important role of developing countries in climate change.
Black carbon not only exists in the atmosphere, but also as part of the soil, where it has a significant impact on soil fertility. Particularly in tropical regions, black carbon can enhance soil productivity by absorbing important plant nutrients. However, current agricultural practices such as fire-cutting still release more carbon dioxide and put pressure on the environment, which means more sustainable agricultural strategies are needed to reduce black carbon emissions.
In addition to affecting the Earth's climate, the threat of black carbon to public health cannot be ignored. Tiny black carbon particles can enter the human respiratory system and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. According to statistics, reducing black carbon emissions could save nearly 4.9 million lives each year, a potential that makes it an important issue for public health and environmental protection.
Improvements in public health, increased agricultural productivity, and a more stable global climate are all closely tied to the management and control of black carbon.
The conclusion is that the impact of black carbon is gradually being recognized, and its role in climate change urgently requires more attention and action. Both policy making and social advocacy require a better understanding of the existence and role of black carbon in order to develop effective solutions. Faced with the challenge of climate change, what efforts can we make to slow down global warming?
