Black Carbon (BC) is a short-lived pollutant that ranks as the second-largest contributor to planetary warming, after carbon dioxide (CO2). Unlike most greenhouse gas emissions, BC is rapidly washed out and can be removed from the atmosphere if emissions are stopped. Unlike historical carbon emissions, BC is a localized source with a more significant local impact.
BC, a type of aerosol, is recognized as the second most critical anthropogenic agent for climate change. It serves as the primary marker to comprehend the adverse effects resulting from air pollution. BC absorbs solar energy, warming the atmosphere. When it falls to the ground with precipitation, it darkens the surface of snow and ice, reducing their albedo (reflecting power of a surface), accelerating melting. It is emitted from gas and diesel engines, coal-fired power plants, and other sources burning fossil fuel. It forms a considerable portion of particulate matter or PM, an air pollutant.
Actions against Black Carbon Emission in India
In response to the threats posed by black carbon, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change outlined several measures adopted to counter black carbon in the Lok Sabha. This information is made available through the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Geosphere Biosphere Programme, under which ISRO runs a network of aerosol observatories. One of the parameters being measured here is black carbon mass concentration.
Key Government Initiatives
Numerous initiatives have been launched or proposed by the government to combat black carbon emission. They include:
– Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: This initiative promotes the use of cleaner household cooking fuels.
– BS VI Emission Norms: Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI norms for fuel and vehicles from April 1, 2020.
– Introducing Cleaner Fuels: The government is promoting the usage of cleaner or alternate fuels such as CNG, LPG, ethanol blending etc.
– SATAT Scheme: This initiative aims to set up 5000 Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make CBG available in the market for use.
Strategies for Addressing Emissions from Agricultural and Industrial Sectors
In addition to the above initiatives, several strategies target emissions from specific sectors:
– Managing Crop Residue: Under the Central Sector Scheme on Promoting Agricultural Mechanization for in-situ Crop Residue Management, agricultural machines and equipment for crop residue management are promoted.
– National Clean Air Programme: This long-term national-level strategy aims to address the air pollution problem across India comprehensively.
– City-specific Clean Air Action Plans: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 131 cities where city-specific action plans have been prepared and rolled out to control air pollution sources.
Moving Towards Electric Vehicles
The government is also encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles under its Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) phase-2 scheme.
These actions aim to reduce black carbon emissions and thus combat its adverse effects on the environment and human health. Through national and local efforts, it’s possible to mitigate the impact of this potent pollutant.