Black Carbon -- Changing Planet

The video discusses black carbon, a major pollutant from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass, contributing to global warming and health issues. It highlights the environmental impact, including the albedo effect on snow and ice melt. Researchers study black carbon's historical data to understand its sources and effects. Solutions like Project Surya aim to reduce emissions by providing cleaner cooking technologies, offering a quick way to mitigate global warming due to black carbon's short atmospheric lifespan.

What is one of the major sources of black carbon emissions?

• Industrial factories

• Indoor cooking with biomass fuels

• Automobile exhaust

• Deforestation

Why is black carbon considered a significant contributor to global warming?

• It has a long atmospheric lifetime.

• It cools the atmosphere by blocking sunlight.

• It absorbs sunlight efficiently, converting it to thermal energy.

• It reflects sunlight back into space.

What is the albedo effect in relation to black carbon?

• The cooling of the atmosphere due to black carbon.

• The darkening of snow and ice, leading to increased melting.

• The scattering of sunlight by black carbon particles.

• The process of black carbon reflecting sunlight.

How do researchers study historical black carbon emissions?

• By analyzing tree rings

• By studying ice cores from glaciers

• By observing current forest fires

• By measuring air quality in cities

What makes black carbon an easier target for reducing global warming compared to carbon dioxide?

• It stays in the atmosphere for only a short time.

• It is less harmful to human health.

• It is more abundant than carbon dioxide.

• It has a longer atmospheric lifetime.

What is the primary goal of Project Surya?

• To promote deforestation for fuel

• To distribute solar-powered lanterns and cleaner stoves

• To develop new fossil fuel technologies

• To increase the use of fossil fuels

How does Project Surya aim to benefit the environment and people?

• By increasing carbon emissions

• By reducing reliance on renewable energy

• By providing cleaner cooking solutions

• By promoting the use of traditional stoves