While carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most well-known greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, several lesser-known pollutants also have a significant impact. Here are a few examples and actions that can be taken to reduce their emissions:

1. Methane (CH4): Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a higher warming potential than CO2 over a shorter timeframe. It is released during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices. To reduce methane emissions, measures such as improving leak detection and repair in the oil and gas industry, implementing methane capture technologies in agriculture, and reducing food waste can be effective.
2. Black carbon: Black carbon, commonly known as soot, is a type of fine particulate matter resulting from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass, and other organic materials. It contributes to both climate change and air pollution. Strategies to reduce black carbon emissions include improving cookstoves and heating technologies, implementing cleaner diesel engines, and phasing out the burning of biomass and waste materials without proper emission controls.
3. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): HFCs are synthetic compounds primarily used as refrigerants and in air conditioning systems. While they do not deplete the ozone layer, they have a high global warming potential. To address this, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aims to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs globally, encouraging the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives.
4. Nitrous oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is released from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. Agricultural practices such as excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and improper manure management contribute to N2O emissions. Effective soil and nutrient management, as well as adopting advanced technologies in industrial processes, can help reduce N2O emissions.
5. Fluorinated gases: Fluorinated gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), are used in various industrial applications, such as electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production, and insulation. These gases have extremely high global warming potentials. Substituting these gases with more environmentally friendly alternatives, improving containment and recovery systems, and implementing regulations and standards can help reduce their emissions.

Addressing these lesser-known pollutants requires a combination of technological advancements, policy interventions, and behavioral changes. It is crucial to promote sustainable practices, invest in research and development of cleaner technologies, and adopt policies that incentivize emission reductions. By taking a comprehensive approach to tackle these pollutants, we can significantly contribute to mitigating climate change and improving air quality.