A recent study led by Yuxuan Ren has uncovered that black carbon emissions in low- and middle-income areas across the “global south” have been underestimated by approximately 38%. Randall Martin, the Raymond R. Tucker Distinguished Professor at McKelvey Engineering, led this research. This analysis used data collected through the SPARTAN initiative from 2019-2023. The findings highlight the pressing need to reassess air quality measurements and their implications for climate change and public health in developing regions.
The study shows alarming amounts of black carbon emissions in certain areas. Among these cities, Dhaka in Bangladesh is a particularly worrying case that exemplifies the trend. This underestimation is not only a local problem. As a climate forcer, black carbon not only accelerates climate change but increases health risks for people around the world. Ren was clear on the win-win that addressing these localized emissions presents to those intent on achieving environmental sustainability and human health.
Key Findings from the Research
The study’s methodology was unique not just for looking at regions in the global south, but for its highly localized analysis of black carbon concentrations. Ren’s analysis found black carbon emissions to be drastically understated in many of the world’s largest cities. In Dhaka, emissions primarily arise from the practice of burning agricultural waste and crop residues. Fuel wood and cow dung are responsible for making the issue worse, too.
Moreover, unregulated brick kilns in Dhaka have been found to heavily pollute the city with black carbon. Our findings are a call to action for more stringent regulation and oversight to better tackle these sources of pollution. Ren’s research emphasizes the importance of focused interventions in these areas. These combined efforts will go a long way to mitigate black carbon’s harmful effects on climate change.
Through additional research, we were able to discover more cities that were working through the same issues. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, produces most of its black carbon emissions from diesel-fueled heavy-duty vehicles and wood-burning stoves used for cooking and heating. The report similarly underscored Ilorin, Nigeria, where black carbon pollution is further worsened by infrastructure for oil and gas exploitation that is not well regulated.
Global Implications and Other Affected Regions
Ren’s research expands on its findings well past a handful of jurisdictions. It focuses attention on a number of other hastily adopted measures that lead to underestimating black carbon emissions globally. Cities such as Mexico City, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Bujumbura in Burundi, and Kanpur in India face significant challenges regarding air quality.
In Bujumbura, city dwellers depend almost exclusively on diesel-fueled generators and kerosene. This reliance not only exacerbates black carbon emissions, but makes public health promotion more challenging. Like many cities in India, Kanpur suffers from industrial practices that are pumping massive doses of black carbon directly into the air. These findings point to a major systemic problem. To counter it, we need deep, multifaceted policy responses at the local and international levels.
This study applied simulation methods using a GCHP model integrated with the CEDS emission inventory in 2019. With this method, we were able to gain a better understanding of black carbon pollution in a multitude of varied climates and settings found in the global south. Ren’s results call for greater recognition and urgent action to address these emissions. Their influence deeply undermines our efforts to address climate change.
The Importance of Addressing Black Carbon Emissions
Black carbon is a sooty byproduct that results from the fugitive emission of fossil fuels. Its role as a driver of climate change has been eclipsed by its direct and dangerous effects on human health. It has a deep impact on warming in our atmosphere. By soaking up sunlight in the Arctic, it warms the atmosphere and accelerates the melting of nearby polar ice.
We need to act immediately to mitigate black carbon emissions. Their adverse effect is most acutely felt in the developing world where the necessary regulatory structure and resources for robust and persistent air quality management is often non-existent. Ren’s study provides a sobering reminder of the vast inequity found in our air quality. It calls for stronger international collaboration to improve monitoring practices and develop more stringent emission standards.