Integrated Assessment of Black Carbon and Tropospheric Ozone


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Scientific Publications
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This assessment report looks into all aspects of anthropogenic emissions of black carbon and tropospheric ozone precursors, such as methane. It analyses the trends in emissions of these substances and the drivers of these emissions; summarizes the science of atmospheric processes where these substances are involved; discusses related impacts on the climatic system, human health, crops in vulnerable regions and ecosystems; and societal responses to the environmental changes caused by those impacts. The Assessment examines a large number of potential measures to reduce harmful emissions, identifying a small set of specific measures that would likely produce the greatest benefits, and which could be implemented with currently available technology. Scientific evidence and new analyses demonstrate that control of black carbon particles and tropospheric ozone through rapid implementation of proven emission reduction measures would have immediate and multiple benefits for human well-being. Black carbon exists as particles in the atmosphere and is a major component of soot, it has significant human health and climate impacts. An outlook up to 2070 is developed illustrating the benefits of those emission mitigation policies and measures for human well-being and climate. The Assessment concludes that rapid mitigation of anthropogenic black carbon and tropospheric ozone precursor emissions would complement carbon dioxide reduction measures and would have immediate benefits for human well-being.


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