Journalist Tulsi Rauniyar discusses the impact of black carbon on women and children in Nepal. Glacier expert Tenzing Chogyal Sherpa maps ice losses in the Himalayas. Zerin Osho explains the importance of black carbon in fighting climate change. The podcast explores initiatives, challenges, and solutions to reduce black carbon emissions.
Black carbon emissions contribute to glacier retreat and health issues.
Reducing black carbon emissions can have a significant impact on combating climate change.
Deep dives
Impact of Black Carbon on Glaciers and Climate
Black carbon emissions from fossil fuels and biomass burning, such as wood or dung, cause glaciers to retreat. The Fuchme Glacier in Nepal has receded significantly, with 250 meters of ice loss in two decades. Additionally, black carbon contributes to health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, with detrimental effects on women and children exposed to indoor air pollution.
Importance of Reducing Black Carbon Emissions
Reducing black carbon emissions has a significant impact on climate change. Even a 0.5-degree reduction can make a substantial difference in combating global warming. The short-lived climate pollutant, black carbon, absorbs heat and accelerates the melting of ice caps and glaciers, contributing to rising global temperatures.
Solutions to Mitigate Black Carbon
Countries like Colombia have successfully reduced black carbon emissions through forest preservation and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Implementing cleaner cooking technologies, such as electric stoves and solar energy, can drastically decrease black carbon emissions. While solutions exist, global efforts are needed to implement these measures at scale to combat climate change effectively.
This little-known pollutant is making us sick and driving the climate crisis. It commonly comes from burning coal, diesel or wood and has a habit of getting stuck in people’s lungs as well as causing glaciers to melt.
In Nepal, home to some of the world’s most beautiful glaciers, we meet journalist Tulsi Rauniyar, who tells us all about the impact black carbon is having on women and children. She meets Tenzing Chogyal Sherpa, a glacier expert who maps the ice losses in the Himalayas. Zerin Osho from the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development helps us understand why black carbon is so important - but often forgotten - in the fight against climate change, and how we can change that.
Got a question you’d like answered? Email: TheClimateQuestion@BBC.com
Presenter: Graihagh Jackson
Producer: Ben Cooper
Researcher: Octavia Woodward
Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown
Editor: Simon Watts
Sound Designer: Tom Brignell
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