Simultaneously mitigating near-term climate change and improving human health and food security.

Published

Journal Article

Tropospheric ozone and black carbon (BC) contribute to both degraded air quality and global warming. We considered ~400 emission control measures to reduce these pollutants by using current technology and experience. We identified 14 measures targeting methane and BC emissions that reduce projected global mean warming ~0.5°C by 2050. This strategy avoids 0.7 to 4.7 million annual premature deaths from outdoor air pollution and increases annual crop yields by 30 to 135 million metric tons due to ozone reductions in 2030 and beyond. Benefits of methane emissions reductions are valued at $700 to $5000 per metric ton, which is well above typical marginal abatement costs (less than $250). The selected controls target different sources and influence climate on shorter time scales than those of carbon dioxide-reduction measures. Implementing both substantially reduces the risks of crossing the 2°C threshold.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Shindell, D; Kuylenstierna, JCI; Vignati, E; van Dingenen, R; Amann, M; Klimont, Z; Anenberg, SC; Muller, N; Janssens-Maenhout, G; Raes, F; Schwartz, J; Faluvegi, G; Pozzoli, L; Kupiainen, K; Höglund-Isaksson, L; Emberson, L; Streets, D; Ramanathan, V; Hicks, K; Oanh, NTK; Milly, G; Williams, M; Demkine, V; Fowler, D

Published Date

  • January 2012

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 335 / 6065

Start / End Page

  • 183 - 189

PubMed ID

  • 22246768

Pubmed Central ID

  • 22246768

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1095-9203

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0036-8075

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1126/science.1210026

Language

  • eng