DU, Stockholm University to hold high-level dialogue on Black Carbon

DU Correspondent: The University of Dhaka (DU) and Sweden’s Stockholm University, in collaboration with the Clean Air Fund, will jointly organise a high-level Science-Policy Dialogue on Black Carbon and other Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) on November 1, bringing together scientists, policymakers and international experts to explore solutions to air pollution and climate change in South Asia.The day-long event will be held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, focusing on how science-based policies can reduce harmful air pollutants, improve public health and help tackle climate change.State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam will attend the inaugural session as the chief guest. Advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Mahdi Amin, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office Prof Dr S M Abdul Awal, and Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks will attend as special guests. DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Abdus Salam will deliver the welcome address and outline the objectives and programme of the dialogue. The initiative comes at a time when South Asia faces mounting pressure from worsening air pollution and the growing impacts of climate change. The region is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather, rising sea levels and threats to food and water security, with consequences for public health, livelihoods and economic growth. Black carbon, a major component of soot produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, is a short-lived climate pollutant that contributes to global warming. Along with other SLCPs, it can also affect air quality and human health. Experts consider reducing these pollutants an important opportunity to deliver climate and public-health benefits simultaneously. The dialogue will bring together leading scientists, government officials, representatives of international organisations, civil society members, business leaders and other stakeholders to examine how scientific evidence can inform practical policy decisions. Discussions will focus on identifying priority areas for reducing SLCP emissions, strengthening atmospheric monitoring and verification, assessing environmental and health risks, and developing effective climate and clean-air policies tailored to the needs of South Asia. The event will also highlight the longstanding scientific and policy cooperation between Bangladesh and Sweden in atmospheric research, climate change and air pollution management. A key milestone in this partnership is the Bangladesh Climate Observatory Bhola (BCOB), jointly operated by the University of Dhaka and Stockholm University since 2013. The observatory has provided a platform for atmospheric research and scientific collaboration. The dialogue will also revisit the Bangladesh-Sweden policy dialogue held in Dhaka in 2011, which helped advance international cooperation on short-lived climate pollutants and contributed to the wider momentum behind the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Organisers expect the meeting to strengthen links between scientific research and policymaking, encouraging governments and other stakeholders to translate evidence into effective action.  By bringing researchers and decision-makers to the same table, the dialogue aims to advance regional cooperation on cleaner air and climate protection, while supporting healthier communities and more sustainable economic development across South Asia.