Black carbon emissions related to transportation in Canada: Sources, impacts, and recommendations

Abstract

The incomplete combustion of fine particulate matter produces black carbon (BC), an atmospheric pollutant that has a major direct and indirect impact on the climate, environment, and human health. The Arctic region is especially impacted by climate change, in part due to BC emissions. Canada has a major obligation to cut its emissions as a key member of the Arctic Council, with its majority of emissions stemming from transportation. Although Canada has been reporting on BC for a number of years, the corresponding regulations to tackle this problem are lacking or not enforced. This paper, through a systematic literature review of academic and grey literature, provides a snapshot of the sources and impacts of BC emissions as well as the current relevant Canadian regulations. These current regulations were analysed for their successes and their gaps pertaining to regulating BC within the transportation sector. Finally, recommendations are provided based on relevant international regulations and the established gaps. These recommendations include urban planning modifications to reduce the impact of BC emissions, increased collaboration with Canada’s partners such as the United States, and opportunities for growth inspired by existing projects.

KEYWORDS: Canada, black carbon, Arctic, environmental regulations, transportation