Tackling Super Pollutants: A New Era in Climate Action

In March 2025, over 100 experts from more than 40 countries gathered in Bilbao, Spain, for the first lead author meeting of the 2027 IPCC Methodology Report on Short-Lived Climate Forcers (SLCFs). This pivotal meeting marks a milestone towards establishing a standardized approach to measuring and managing super pollutants, such as black carbon and low-level ozone. These pollutants are known for their potent impact on global warming and air quality, making their accurate measurement crucial for effective climate action.

Imagine pollutants that can warm the planet faster than carbon dioxide but disappear from the atmosphere in a matter of days to years. That's the reality of super pollutants. Experts at the IPCC meeting stressed the urgent need to tackle these pollutants to make a real dent in climate change. According to a recent Forbes article, cutting super pollutants can slow the rate of warming and improve air quality almost immediately. It's like hitting the brakes on a speeding car—quick and effective. 

Black carbon, a major super pollutant, is the second largest man-made contributor to global warming. The Clean Air Fund emphasizes that tackling black carbon is crucial, as it contributes to millions of premature deaths each year. This highlights the urgent need for integrated measures to address both climate change and air pollution, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future. 

The Climate and Clean Air Conference 2025, held in Brasília, Brazil, brought together global leaders to accelerate action on super pollutants ahead of COP30. New initiatives included UNEP’s updated Global Strategy to promote low-sulfur fuels and clean diesel fleets, and a CCAC report on black soldier fly technology to cut methane from organic waste. Subnational governments reaffirmed their commitment to tackling super pollutants, with several cities joining the Lowering Organic Waste Methane (LOW-M) initiative.

Countries are also starting to take notice. More and more nations are including super pollutants in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By addressing super pollutants, they can help close the global emissions gap and keep the planet's temperature rise within 1.5°C. The benefits go beyond climate—reducing super pollutants can improve food security, health, and equity, making it a win-win for everyone.

Focusing on super pollutants offers a promising new frontier, and it’s getting worldwide attention. Supporting initiatives and policies aimed at reducing super pollutants can lead to significant progress towards a sustainable and healthier future. 

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SCS Global Services created Total Climate Accountingᵀᴹ to enable companies, cities and organizations to help slow the rate of warming now by measuring and managing climate super pollutants. We offer two powerful tools:  

• Total Climate Footprintᵀᴹ: Everything you get from your carbon footprint, plus additional heat reduction data over target-aligned timeframes (2030, 2040, 2050...) to drive more strategic investments and greater impact. Learn more.  
• GHR Registry Projects and Credits: This registry offers super pollutant credits (“super tons”) that each represent 1 tCO₂e plus specific, verified atmospheric heat reduction data measured over any timeframe (e.g. 5, 15, 25 years). Learn more.  

With Total Climate Accountingᵀᴹ, organizations can take a proactive approach to climate action, addressing both long-term and short-term pollutants on their path to net zero.