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Black Carbon vs CO2

Black Carbon: A Climate Threat


What is it?

Black carbon (BC), also known as soot, is a component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution.

It forms during the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass (like wood burning).


Black Carbon vs CO2: Climate Villains


Both black carbon (BC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are air pollutants that contribute to climate change, but they differ in their properties and impact:


Black Carbon:


Short-lived: Stays in the atmosphere for days to weeks.

Strong warming effect: Absorbs sunlight very effectively, warming the air around it up to 1,500 times stronger than CO2 per unit of mass.

Health impacts: A major contributor to air pollution, linked to respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.

Sources: Incomplete combustion of fuels (diesel, wood burning), industrial processes.


Carbon Dioxide (CO2):


Long-lived: Can remain in the atmosphere for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Weaker warming effect: Warms the atmosphere by trapping heat, but less potently than BC per unit of mass.

Health impacts: Not a direct health threat, but contributes to climate change which can indirectly impact health.

Sources: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), deforestation.


Summary:

BC: Acts like a short-term but intense burst of warming.

CO2: Acts like a long-term blanket, gradually warming the planet.

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