Certain pollutants known as “short lived climate forcers,” such as black carbon, have a significant impact on the climate. Reducing black carbon can contribute to numerous sustainable development goals, such as cleaner and healthier air, food and water security, reduced mortality and the mitigation of climate change and its impacts.

South Asia has one of the highest concentrations of black carbon emissions globally. These emissions threaten the health of those living in the region. In addition, because of the possible impact on the Himalayan glacier system, the climate warming brought about by these emissions also threatens the available fresh water resources in this region.

To assist interested parties in early actions to reduce these black carbon emissions, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a study to identify and evaluate low cost and high-impact opportunities to reduce black carbon emissions in South Asia. These findings are covered in the report Opportunities to reduce black carbon emissions in Asia: Low cost options.

With a goal of informing those interested in immediate and effective actions, the report provides:

• examples of low-cost, high impact opportunities to reduce black carbon emissions in South Asia,
• a wealth of information and resources on reducing black carbon emissions in South Asia in the industrial, transportation and residential sectors, and
• a literature review synthesizing available literature on black carbon emissions and low cost mitigation options in South Asia.

Download the report here: Opportunities to reduce black carbon emissions in Asia: Low cost options.