Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) that contributes significantly to global warming  and drives critical local and regional climate impacts such as cryosphere loss, disrupted rainfall and  monsoon patterns, and intensified regional warming. It is also a form of fine particulate matter  (PM2.5), an air pollutant that contributes significantly to premature deaths and other adverse health  outcomes. Addressing black carbon offers a unique opportunity to advance climate change  mitigation, build climate resilience, improve air quality, safeguard public health, and deliver  sustainable development co-benefits. A focus on sources of black carbon identifies and elevates  additional sectoral actions, reinforces existing commitments to tackle SLCPs, and supports the  effective integration of action on climate change and air pollution.

This announcement recognizes the need for an effective and progressive response to the urgent threat  of climate change and its interconnected challenges in accordance with the United Nations Framework  Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.