Black Carbon

Proximity to freeways increases exposure to harmful air pollutants linked to serious health risks. Vehicular air pollution can spread over a mile from its source, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable and historically marginalized communities.

Wildfire smoke contains a complex mix of harmful pollutants, such as ozone precursors, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter like PM2.5 and black carbon. These pollutants can affect health and travel far from the fire source.

Wildfire season varies across the U.S. As climate change drives longer, more intense fire seasons nationwide, once-localized risks now threaten public health, ecosystems, and air quality across the country.

Air pollutants influence ecosystems, the water cycle, and global temperatures by driving acid rain, ocean acidification, ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect, and changes in Earth's albedo.

Natural sources such as wildfires, volcanoes, and sandstorms emit air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, sometimes affecting human health and the climate.

This blog provides a recap of our recent webinar on the RAC Air Health Monitor, Australia's largest and most advanced air sensor network. Hosted by David Lu, co-founder and CEO of Clarity, the session featured key insights from Julian and David from the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) of Western Australia, and Martin from Ramboll.

TL;DR — Ports and logistics operations are major sources of harmful air pollution that affects air quality and climate health both locally and at the global scales — especially as maritime shipping becomes increasingly prominent globally. By implementing effective air quality monitoring and port emission reduction strategies, we can work to reduce these negative impacts and promote more environmentally friendly global supply chains.

We asked Drew Hill, Data Science & Applied Research Lead at Aethlabs to help us take a deep dive into black carbon air pollution, exploring the science behind this air pollutant, its origins, its impacts, and the urgency & importance of accurate black carbon measurement.

Black carbon is clouding urban skies, impacting health and the environment. Discover its stealthy sources and the role of black carbon measurement in the push for cleaner air.