In this episode of Hot Spots with Kay Brown, Dr. Sian Prior, lead advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, explains how rapidly accelerating Arctic melt is reshaping the global climate. Speaking from the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, she breaks down the science behind black carbon — a potent “super pollutant” produced by ships, transportation, and oil and gas operations — and how its deposition on snow and ice speeds the region’s warming. Dr. Prior details the International Maritime Organization’s long-delayed efforts to regulate black carbon emissions from the shipping industry and the political challenges slowing progress, including the role of Russia and the need for Arctic nations to propose strong regulations. She also highlights how reducing black carbon offers one of the fastest ways to slow near-term warming and preserve the Arctic’s critical albedo effect. The conversation underscores why global citizens, policymakers, and industry must act now to protect the Arctic — and the planet.

Takeaways:

• Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant that significantly accelerates Arctic melting.
• Shipping emissions of black carbon in the Arctic have more than doubled in the past decade.
• When black carbon settles on ice and snow, it reduces reflectivity and speeds warming.
• The IMO has discussed black carbon for over a decade but has yet to regulate it.
• Switching ships from heavy fuels to cleaner distillate fuels is the fastest reduction pathway.
• The Arctic’s warming affects global sea levels and weather patterns.
• Reducing super pollutants like black carbon and methane is essential to staying near 1.5°C.
• Citizens can help by reducing consumption and supporting clean-energy and shipping reforms.

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