UPSC Express

What is Black Carbon?

• It is the strongest, light-absorbing component of particulate matter (PM), formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass.
• It is emitted directly into the atmosphere in the form of fine particles (PM2.5).
• It can absorb a million times more energy than carbon dioxide (CO2).

Effects of BC

• Aggravate breathing disorders
• Upset the monsoon- BC can strongly absorb solar and terrestrial radiations and heats up the atmosphere that can upset the monsoon system
• Quicken glacier melting- If BC is deposited on snow, it could accelerate the heating of snow and quicken the melting of glaciers
• May be depleting the ozone layer – As BC lingers long enough, it can provide a fertile ground for other chemical reactions that can deplete the ozone layer

Rising count

• The stratosphere is a stable region of the atmosphere.
• BC particles absorb heat and they warm up the surrounding air, the air becomes lighter and rises to greater heights by a process called ‘self lift’ and BC persist in the air.
• The sheer volume of air travel means that the black carbon count only continues to increase.