Le BC est une particule fine produite lors de la combustion de carburant par les navires. Cette situation est amplifiée en Arctique pour plusieurs raisons :

•Les bateaux utilisent des carburants de mauvaise qualité car moins chers, mais dont la combustion produit plus de black carbon

•Les bateaux ne sont en général pas adaptés aux conditions arctiques, augmentant ainsi leur consommation de carburant

•On prédit que les émissions de BC dans l'Arctique vont quintupler d'ici 2050

Lorsque le black carbon se dépose sur la glace, il crée une légère couche noire. Ainsi, cette pellicule sombre augmente l’indice d’absorption de la glace et réduit l'albédo, ce qui signifie que la glace capte plus de chaleur et donc se réchauffe plus rapidement. On constate ainsi une accélération de la fonte de la glace.

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http://library.arcticportal.org/1400/1/AMSA_2009_Report_2nd_print.pdf Recommended citation: Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment 2009 Report. Arctic Council, April 2009, second printing

- "Black carbon emissions from ships operating in the Arctic may have regional impacts by accelerating ice melt."

- "Black carbon has been proven to have significant climate forcing effects, in addition to its effects on snow and ice albedo, accelerating the retreat of Arctic sea ice."

- "The region-specific effects of black carbon indicate that even small amounts could have a potentially disproportionate impact on ice melt and warming in the region."

- "The black carbon emitted from shipping in the Arctic could have significant regional impacts by accelerating ice melt."

- "The introduction and spread of alien invasive species is a serious problem that has ecological, economic, health and environmental impacts, including the loss of native biological diversity worldwide. (...) The risk of introduction of invasive species will increase as shipping volume increases in this region."

- "From an environmental point of view, Arctic shipping poses a threat to the region’s unique ecosystems. This threat can be effectively mitigated through careful planning and effective regulation in areas of high risk."

- "Release of oil into the Arctic marine environment, either through accidental release, or illegal discharge, is the most significant threat from shipping activity."

- "The deposition of black carbon darkens snow and ice surfaces, which can contribute to melting, in particular of Arctic sea ice."

climat impact: black carbon reduces albedo: (Hardley and Kirchstetter 2012)