Why in news
- A recent study highlights crop-residue burning as a major contributor to atmospheric black carbon pollution in North India.
What is Black Carbon?
- Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass.
- It strongly absorbs solar radiation, accelerating atmospheric warming and local snow/glacier melt.
Impacts and Findings
- Seasonal stubble burning releases concentrated bursts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon into the troposphere.
- It alters regional precipitation patterns and severely degrades ambient air quality across the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
Why it matters
- Unlike long-lived greenhouse gases, reducing black carbon yields immediate localized air quality and climate benefits.
Key terms
Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP)
Agents like black carbon and methane that have relatively short atmospheric lifetimes but potent warming effects.
Prelims facts
- Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant, not a long-lived greenhouse gas.
Mains discussion
- Role of agricultural biomass burning in regional climate forcing and public health crises.
Source: Mongabay India
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2017 · Q65 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries. 2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2020 · Q83 · General Studies · 2 marks
What is/are the advantage/ advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? 1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop. 2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible. 3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible. Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2019 · Q35 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following: 1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue? -
2020 · Q48 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? 1. Automobile exhaust 2. Tobacco smoke 3. Wood burning 4. Using varnished wooden furniture 5. Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2015 · Q7 · GS II · 12 marks
Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.