Smoke from widespread forest fires caused dangerous spikes in air pollution across Brazil in 2024 — with cities like Porto Velho and São Paulo ranking among the worst globally for air quality. These events marked a turning point in public and political awareness of the domestic air quality impacts of forest fires. But they also highlighted an under-addressed issue: the emissions of black carbon, a short-lived climate pollutant and potent driver of global warming. Despite growing recognition of forests in climate discussions, the air quality dimension and its health and equity impacts remain overlooked.

This roundtable will bring together researchers, civil society leaders, and government stakeholders to highlight the importance of integrating air quality and black carbon into forest agendas in the lead-up to COP30. It will discuss the importance of a more holistic forest agenda that considers super pollutants, health, and the lived experiences of the most affected communities.

Partnership: Clean Air Fund