“Role of Black Carbon in Global and Regional Climate Changes”
V. Ramanathan (2007)
Testimonial to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Summary
Experimental findings from field observations, surface observatories, and aerosol chemical-transport models have provided a revised understanding of the potential impact of Black Carbon aerosols.
Major conclusion: “…next to Carbon Dioxide (CO2), black carbon (BC) in soot particles is potentially the second major contributor to the observed twentieth century global warming.”
Focusing on black carbon reduction can potentially delay climate change effects. Factors to consider:
• BC concentration and its warming effects will decrease almost immediately after its emission reduction
• Black carbon (or its inhalation) is a major public health issue
• Alternative cooking methods in developing countries offer a great opportunity to reduce black carbon from indoor cooking
• Black carbon “buys time” with respect to climate change mitigation
Source Link: http://www-ramanathan.ucsd.edu/testimonials/BlackCarbonHearing-testimony.pdf
See also:
Black Carbon: An Overlooked Climate Factor
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1938379,00.html
Copenhagen Roundup: Day 3
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/12/09/copenhagen-roundup-day-3/
