Aerosol Impact on Climate
Aerosols significantly impact the climate in the Himalayan region, as recent studies have shown. Increased aerosol levels, particularly black carbon, have contributed to heightened atmospheric warming and accelerated melting of glaciers and snow. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the unique aerosol loading in India, influenced by diverse sources and land use patterns. The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 offered insights into the potential benefits of emission reductions, as cleaner atmospheric conditions led to decreased snowmelt and increased snow cover.
