Community-Based Black Carbon and Public Health Assessment Project Summary

Black carbon emissions are one of the Far North’s three main short-lived climate-forcing pollutants and pose a health threat to local citizens. Black carbon emissions from Arctic States alone accounts for 30% of Arctic warming. Black carbon is emitted from a number of sources including the burning of diesel fuel, on which Northern communities are especially dependent; wild fires; agricultural and solid waste burning; and residential wood combustion. Throughout the Arctic, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding local black carbon emissions and the risks to communities. Local communities generally lack the capacity to assess black carbon emissions, public health impacts, and mitigation options. The project will: Assess, on a pilot basis, local sources of black carbon emissions from Arctic Alaskan and Russian villages, and possibly a Saami community Provide a broad characterization of associated risks to public health Explore short and long-term mitigation options Assess and, where possible, strengthen local capacities to identify, mitigate, and prevent black carbon pollution Draft a framework tool for community-based assessments of black carbon emissions and health risks Educate local communities about black carbon emissions and risks The project’s initial phase, will entail a desk study; field work in Arctic communities, including particulate testing with aethalometers and community surveys to establish emission sources; an assessment report containing detailed findings and recommendations for mitigation, protecting public health and strengthening local institutional capacities; a draft framework assessment tool; and communication and outreach to a variety of key stakeholders.