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The mystery of black carbon: How does it affect global climate?
Black carbon (BC) is often overlooked in the current global climate change discussion. As a product of incomplete combustion, black carbon has been identified as one of the important factors affecting global warming. The term “black carbon” has been used since the 1970s, when Serbian physicist Tihomir Novakov first coined the term and highlighted its links to human health and global climate.
Black carbon is more than just a particle in the atmosphere; it is a climate forcing agent of concern that can significantly alter the Earth's thermal energy balance and contribute to global warming.
The main sources of black carbon include the burning of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass burning, which are important sources of urban air pollution. Black carbon emissions are rising in many developing countries, particularly in China and India, which together contribute 25% to 35% of global black carbon emissions.
Effects of black carbon on human health
The presence of black carbon poses a great threat to public health. The study pointed out that black carbon particles are considered one of the most harmful air pollutants, and people exposed to black carbon environments have significantly increased health risks. According to the World Health Organization, between 640,000 and 4.9 million premature deaths could be avoided each year by reducing black carbon emissions.
Humans inhale black carbon particles from traffic, forest fires and indoor combustion, which directly damages lung function, especially for children.
How black carbon changes the climate
Black carbon's role in climate change is more nuanced. First, it increases the heat of the atmosphere by absorbing sunlight, and its albedo-reducing effect, especially when deposited on the surface as snow or ice, can cause surface temperatures to rise.
The reduction in albedo caused by the deposition of black carbon on surfaces such as snow or ice could contribute to wider climate change and environmental problems.
Measurement and distribution of black carbon
Measurements of black carbon primarily rely on optical detection techniques, such as aethalometers, which assess black carbon concentrations by measuring changes in light absorption on a filter. These technologies allow us to assess air quality in different regions and help us understand its global distribution and its impact on the environment.
Global Response Strategy
Many countries have already begun taking steps to reduce black carbon emissions to combat the problem posed by this pollutant. Various measures, ranging from improving transportation fuel efficiency to expanding the use of clean energy technologies, are considered effective in reducing black carbon emissions in the short term.
Reducing black carbon emissions is not only an important part of climate policy, but also has immediate benefits for people’s health and quality of life.
Future Research Directions
Researchers are evaluating more efficient agricultural techniques, such as using "charcoal cutting" to replace traditional "slash-and-burn" methods to reduce the resulting black carbon emissions. However, because black carbon has a short life cycle, scientists believe that controlling black carbon emissions will provide a special opportunity to temporarily freeze or even reverse the trend of global warming.
In summary, the impacts of black carbon are complex, closely linking human health, air quality, and global climate. How should we formulate effective strategies to reduce black carbon emissions while ensuring future sustainable development and environmental protection?
