Reducing arctic black carbon emissions: Features of national regulatory systems as a key factor

Abstract

Black carbon is an air pollutant that contributes to Arctic warming, and its control is the subject of multiple international institutions in the region. However, the potential for cost-effective reduction of black carbon emissions in the region is conditioned by the features of the national regulatory systems in relevant countries. This study conducted a comparative analysis of national pollution control systems for land-based sources of black carbon emissions in Arctic states and two key Arctic Council observer states, China and India. Doing so, the study shows that most countries have implemented at least some policies and regulatory measures in most pollution control areas. However, relevant policies are sometimes found outside the conventional domain of air pollution regulation, such as schemes for corporate reporting on sustainability. Substantial differences across countries lie in regulations' stringency and enforcement capacity. In addition, the national governance system, such as the federal systems of the US and Canada, influences the characteristics of black carbon policies and regulations. Furthermore, the application of economic instruments is limited in terms of the country coverage and economic instrument types. These features have implications for the design of domestic and international policies for Arctic black carbon control.