Simultaneously mitigating near-term climate change and improving human health and food security
Author
:
Shindell D, Kuylenstierna J C I and Vignati E
Source
:
Science 335(6065): p.183–189
Keywords
:
Health; Food security
Year
:
2012
Author Affiliation
:
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Columbia Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10025, USA
Abstract
:
Tropospheric ozone and black carbon contribute to both degraded air quality and global warming. The authors considered ~400 emission control measures to reduce these pollutants by using current technology and experience. They identified 14 measures targeting methane and black carbon 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.
