Simultaneously Mitigating Near-Term Climate Change and Improving Human Health and Food Security

Shindell, D. and Kuylenstierna, J.C.I and Vignati, E. and Dingenen, R.V. and Amann, M. and Klimont, Z. and Anenberg, S.C. and Janssens-Maenhout, G. and Raes, F. and Schwartz, J. and Faluvegi, G. and Pozzoli, L. and Kupiainen, K. and Höglund-Isaksson, L. and Emberson, L. and Streets, D. and Ramanathan, V. and Hicks, K. and Kim Oanh, N.T. and Milly, G. and Williams, M. and Demkine, V. and Fowler, D. (2012) Simultaneously Mitigating Near-Term Climate Change and Improving Human Health and Food Security. ScienceMagazine, 335 (6065). pp. 183-189.

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Funding was provided by UNEP and the World Meteorlogical Organization (WMO), NASA’s Applied Sciences and Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling and Analysis Programs, and the Clean Air Task Force to IIASA. We thank all the authors and reviewers who contributed to the UNEP/WMO Integrated Assessment of Black Carbon and Tropospheric Ozone.
Author Affiliation:	NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Columbia Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025, USA
Subjects:	Atmosperic Science
Divisions:	Other Crops
Depositing User:	Mr Siva Shankar
Date Deposited:	18 Jan 2012 12:39
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2012 12:43
Official URL:	http://www.sciencemag.org/magazine
URI:	http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/2982

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