Abstract:

Atmospheric components that can influence climate change can be classified as long-lived greenhouse gases and short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs), according to their lifetimes in the atmosphere. Considering the important roles of SLCFs in climate change and air quality, IPCC AR6 has for the first time the dedicated chapter for the assessment of SLCFs. This work summarizes the major conclusions on SLCFs, especially those since AR5, including the definition of SLCFs, changes in emissions and abundances of SLCFs, the effective radiative forcings of SLCFs and climate responses, projected future changes in climate and air quality under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), and the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on climate. We also discuss the uncertainties associated with the AR6 conclusions as well as the implications for climate and air quality in China.

Key words: Short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs), Aerosols, Methane (CH₄), Climate change, Air quality