Black carbon refers to a type of particulate matter that is produced by the incomplete combustion of organic materials, such as wood, coal or biomass. It consists mainly of small particles made up of carbon and other elements like sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen. Black carbon has a high absorption capacity for sunlight which makes it an important contributor to global warming through the enhanced greenhouse effect. When black carbon is released into the atmosphere, it can have significant impacts on climate change, air quality, and human health.