Senators Take Bipartisan Action to Reduce Pollutants Responsible for 40 Percent of Global Warming

On Thursday, two senators introduced a bipartisan proposal to address climate change. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Susan Collins’ (R-ME) Super Pollutants Act of 2014 will reduce short-lived climate pollutants.  These pollutants are responsible for around 40 percent of global warming, making them the second-largest contributor after carbon dioxide, which is accounts for about 55 percent of the global “greenhouse effect.”

Known as “super pollutants,” because they are much more potent than carbon dioxide, short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) stay in the atmosphere for much less time.  Experts say reducing super pollutants now will reduce temperatures and air pollution in the near term, and protect public health and strengthen food security.

“Short-lived climate pollutants are the problem too few people are talking about, but are doing some of the worst damage to the atmosphere,” Murphy said in a statement.  “As we work to combat threats to our climate, we can’t leave short-lived pollutants out of the equation.”

The act targets three specific super pollutants:  hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), black carbon, and methane.

Senators Take Bipartisan Action to Reduce Pollutants Responsible for 40 Percent of Global Warming