Webinar: Understanding short-lived climate forcers for improved air quality and climate information

The EU-HORIZON project “Non-CO₂ Forcers and their Climate, Weather, Health, and Air Quality Impacts” (FOCI) aims to close important knowledge gaps about the effects of non-CO₂ climate pollutants, also known as short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These include substances such as black carbon (soot), methane (CH₄), ground-level ozone (O₃), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
While much is already known about carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and contributes to climate change, there is still limited understanding of how non-CO₂ pollutants affect the climate, environment, and human health.
To address this, FOCI investigates the sources of these pollutants and their behaviour in the environment. Researchers are using advanced computer models to simulate how different parts of the Earth’s system, including the atmosphere, interact with these pollutants. This research will rely on both global Earth System Models (ESMs) and Regional Climate Models (RCMs). The results will support the creation and improvement of climate and air quality policies.
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (CAD) was established by the United Nations General Assembly and is observed annually on September 7. It aims to raise public awareness about the importance of clean air and the need to take action. The urgency to reduce SLCPs has been emphasized in the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report, which highlights how these pollutants contribute to global warming and how reducing them can bring benefits to both climate and air quality.
To mark CAD2025, FOCI plans to host a webinar. The webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs), exploring their origins, current trends, strategies to mitigate them, and the wide-ranging benefits their reduction offers for both climate and air quality.
During the webinar, you can:
Enhance your understanding of various non-CO₂ radiative forcings, including their impacts on climate and air quality, as well as their key sources.
Gain insights into the latest emission trends and effective mitigation strategies.
Discover practical examples through case studies that highlight the success of targeted actions.
Connect with global initiatives and foster collaboration with other researchers and policymakers.
Who should join?
Early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds in climate science, air quality, and environmental policy, as well as researchers and scientists, civil society actors, influencers, and decision-makers, policymakers and policy groups, the private sector, and innovators seeking data-driven solutions, partnerships, or inspiration around clean air.