The absorption of sunlight, with consequent warming, is significant only of dark-colored particles such as those composed primarily of soot, often called carbon black, and of ash particles from volcanoes.
The emission into the atmosphere of carbon black is greatest in developing countries, where incomplete combustion of coal and biomass is widespread.
Its effect globally is to increase air temperature by its absorption of sunlight, with the subsequent export of this tropospheric air to other areas.
However, its local effect may be cooling, since it blocks sunlight from reaching surface. Carbon black’s effects on local climate may be substantial, increasing drought in some areas and flooding in others.