Stop Black Carbon Before It Starts
Black carbon causes 0.5°C of warming and millions of premature deaths annually. It's quick and cheap to remove—and the developing world needs our help to avoid repeating the pollution cycle.
Black carbon, commonly known as soot, is a component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) formed by incomplete combustion of wood, biomass, fossil fuels, and waste materials. These particles are extremely small—less than 2.5 microns in diameter, many times smaller than a grain of salt—allowing them to penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream.
Black carbon is the second largest contributor to climate change after CO₂, absorbing up to 1 million times more solar energy per unit mass. Unlike CO₂ which persists for centuries, black carbon only lasts 4-12 days in the atmosphere, meaning reductions provide near-term climate benefits.
The Triple Win
Reduce warming by 0.5°C, slow glacier melting, protect Arctic ice, and reverse precipitation changes
Prevent millions of premature deaths, reduce respiratory disease, improve child development
Save up to $85/year per household, increase agricultural yields, reduce healthcare costs
Household Cooking & Heating
3 billion people use traditional cookstoves burning wood, charcoal, crop residue, and dung. Produces one-fifth of all global black carbon emissions.
Transportation
Diesel engines in vehicles, trucks, and ships without emissions controls. Old vehicles are major contributors, especially in developing countries.
Industrial Sources
Brick kilns (especially in Asia), coke ovens, coal combustion, and oil and gas flaring operations.
Agricultural Burning
Open burning of crop residue, forest fires, and land clearing for agriculture.