Rainfall patterns in India are changing : A P Mitra, scientist, INDOEX
Where does the black carbon in the haze layer come from?
The sources of black carbon are incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass burning. But the contribution from each source is uncertain. Perhaps 40-60 per cent of the black carbon present in the haze can be attributed to biomass burning and the rest to coal and transport sector.
Does the haze have an influence on the monsoon?
We know that aerosols affect cloud formation and influence precipitation but this is just the beginning. More observations are needed to say anything conclusively. However, the rainfall patterns are changing. We suspect that rainfall is increasing in south India but it is decreasing in western and northwestern parts. Eastern states have more rainfall but we need to do more work on this.
Reducing absorbing aerosols like black carbon can be seen as a short-term solution for climate change. Will this shift the focus from curbing greenhouse gases (GHGs) if aerosols are brought under an international regime?
No. One should not shift focus from controlling GHGs. But a regime to control aerosols has to be broader than a country. In case of GHGs, developing countries are at the receiving end without contributing much to the problem. But in case of aerosols, we are also the culprits.
Are you asking developing countries to reduce aerosols under the Kyoto Protocol?
We are not thinking of the Kyoto Protocol for new commitments on aerosols.