CASE STUDY
Chasing Shadows: Unmasking Black Carbon's Arctic Footprint for a Cooler Tomorrow
JBE conducted a global study to quantify black carbon emissions and their impact on the Arctic. The study aimed to inform non-profit spending by identifying key sources, regional contributions, and strategic mitigation opportunities for maximum climate benefit.
THE CLIENT’S CHALLENGE
The Clean Air Fund sought to optimize its spending on carbon mitigation projects by identifying key sources of black carbon emissions and their impact on the Arctic region. Given the complex nature of black carbon transport and its seasonal variations, a comprehensive global study was needed to quantify emissions and discern which sources could be effectively controlled to mitigate environmental harm.
OUR SOLUTION
JBE facilitated a literature-based inventory was conducted using 2022 data to quantify global black carbon emissions and analyze their potential Arctic impact. The study focused on:
Identifying Major Emission Sources: Anthropogenic sources accounted for the majority of global black carbon emissions, with residential heating, transport, and power generation being the largest contributors. Non-anthropogenic sources, such as forest fires, also played a significant role.
Assessing Arctic Impact: Only 8% of global black carbon emissions were estimated to reach the Arctic, with significant contributions from nearby regions such as Alaska, Canada, Russia, and Europe. Russia and China were identified as key contributors, despite differences in their total emissions.
Understanding Seasonal and Transport Factors: Seasonal factors like snowmelt timing and emission generation cycles influence the intensity of Arctic black carbon impacts. However, the study identified gaps in public, peer-reviewed datasets with quantified impacts related to seasonal and monthly variations.
Highlighting Additional Considerations: The study emphasized that other particulates, such as dust, could have similar effects on the Arctic, necessitating further research to ensure effective mitigation strategies.
OUR IMPACT
The findings provided critical insights for policymakers and funding organizations, leading to the following key outcomes:
Strategic Targeting for Maximum Impact: The study recommended focusing mitigation efforts on Russia and China for the most significant reductions. However, substantial progress could still be made by targeting power generation, logistics, and residential heating in other regions.
Enhanced Policy and Funding Decisions: The insights informed funding strategies, ensuring resources were allocated to the most impactful mitigation projects.
Future Research Directions: The study identified gaps in seasonal data and the role of non-black carbon particulates, paving the way for further research to refine climate mitigation strategies.
By providing a comprehensive understanding of black carbon emissions and their Arctic impact, the study equipped the Clean Air Fund with the knowledge needed to drive effective climate action and optimize investment in carbon mitigation projects.