Global warming is amplified in the Arctic, partly due to the decreased surface reflectivity of this region. Incomplete combustion releases light-absorbing particles into the atmosphere. Deposition of the particles on snow and ice decreases their reflectivity and enhances melt. Cutting down the particle emissions presents a fast and effective way to mitigate Arctic climate change. However, currently such mitigation action is hampered by significant uncertainties in emission sources of these particles. The aim of this project is to produce data on the trends and sources of light-absorbing particles in the Arctic. Furthermore, the importance of an emerging particle emission source, Arctic peat fires, is evaluated. These unique data pinpoint which particle emissions are most severely impacting Arctic climate change. Based on the results, proposals are compiled for international policy makers on which particle emission cuts should be prioritized for most effective climate change mitigation.

2023

2027