The best opportunity to slow the rate of near-term warming globally and in sensitive regions such as the Arctic is by cutting emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) – most notably methane, black carbon and some hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Widespread reductions, which complement the need for aggressive global action on carbon dioxide, contribute significantly to the goal of limiting warming to less than two degrees. Reducing SLCPs can also advance national priorities such as protecting air quality and public health, promoting food security, enhancing energy efficiency, and alleviating poverty. Concerted global action to reduce SLCPs could prevent an estimated 2.4 million premature deaths annually from outdoor air pollution, significantly reduce the estimated 4.3 million deaths and other health impacts from indoor air pollution, and avoid 52 million tons of crop losses annually. Importantly, these benefits often accrue in the local communities where action is taken, such as the health benefits of improved diesel vehicle emissions standards. Reductions in SLCPs can be achieved quickly and cost-effectively. In many cases action at scale can be delivered through existing institutions, policies, and technologies, for example, by partnering with cities to reduce methane emissions by improving municipal solid waste management practices. More: http://ccacoalition.org/en

Priority Objective: Widespread adoption and implementation of policies, regulations and practices to substantially reduce SLCPs. Over the next five years the CCAC will prioritize its resources to support the development and implementation of policies and practices of Partners and relevant stakeholders that will deliver substantial SLCP reductions in the near- to medium-term (i.e. by 2030). As appropriate, these policies and practices will include voluntary and/or regulatory mechanisms to deliver reductions at scale by engaging both the public sector and the private sector. The Coalition will focus on four key strategies that are essential to achieving real and ambitious reductions.Key Strategies To deliver substantial SLCP reductions, the Coalition will use four principle strategies – Catalyze Ambitious Action, Mobilize Robust Support, Leverage Finance at Scale, and Enhance Science and Knowledge – that in combination produce the two ingredients needed for action: political will and practical implementation capacity. More: http://ccacoalition.org/en/resources/ccac-five-year-strategic-plan

Transformative action at scale requires knowledge, resources, and technical and institutional capacity to act. National planning and institutional strengthening are essential to prioritise SLCPs actions that are scientifically well-grounded, politically feasible and can be cost-effectively delivered over the next few years. The CCAC SNAP Initiative provides both of these tools to Partners to support them to develop, enhance and implement national policies and action plans to reduce SLCPs. More: http://ccacoalition.org/en/initiatives/snap

Established in 2012, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a voluntary partnership of governments, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders committed to “achieve concrete and substantial action to accelerate efforts to reduce short-lived climate pollutants.” In its first three years, the Coalition has launched seven sector-specific and four cross-cutting initiatives, established a Science Advisory Panel, and grown its membership from 7 to over 100 Partners, with many additional organizations, countries, and sub-national entities also participating in the initiatives. The private sector plays an essential role in advancing these efforts, and is demonstrating leadership through its engagement with the CCAC initiatives and other voluntary actions. Through its work to date, the Coalition has become the preeminent forum for international fast action on SLCPs.

111 Partners, 50 State and REIO, 16 IGO and 45 NGO partners (as of April 2016). Full list: http://ccacoalition.org/en/partners