For many, kerosene
(paraffin) is a common lighting fuel that is affordable (due in part to government subsidies) and
accessible.1 Kerosene lamps emit both carbon dioxide (CO2) and black carbon. Black carbon
is the result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. Black carbon
particles absorb sunlight and heat the atmosphere, increasing radiative forcing, and are a
major climate warmer, second only to CO2.
2 Together with other pollutants having a powerful
but short-lived warming influence, it is known as a ‘short-lived climate pollutant’ (SLCP)