Superpollutants could provide a powerful way to slow global warming in the near term. These pollutants include methane, black carbon, tropospheric ozone, nitrous oxide and high-warming refrigerant gases.

Companies and policymakers are now giving superpollutants greater attention. At Climate Week New York, businesses and policymakers met to discuss practical ways to reduce these powerful climate pollutants.

A new Superpollutant Roadmap was launched to help companies take action through their supply chains, financing and policy work. Earlier this year, companies including Amazon, Google, JPMorgan Chase, Salesforce and Workday pledged $100 million toward an initiative focused on reducing these pollutants through 2030.

Superpollutants have a strong effect on near-term warming. Many also remain in the atmosphere for shorter periods than carbon dioxide. Together, they account for nearly half of current warming.

Methane is one of the biggest opportunities for faster action. It has caused nearly 30% of the increase in global average temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. However, methane emissions from fossil-fuel operations have not yet shown signs of falling.

The International Energy Agency estimates that existing technology could reduce about 70% of these emissions. Companies can find and repair leaks, replace equipment that releases methane, recover escaping gas and reduce routine flaring.

Technology can also help identify major sources. Satellites, aircraft, sensors and artificial intelligence can locate emissions at individual sites. This allows companies, cities and investors to focus resources where they can achieve the largest reductions.

Agriculture also offers opportunities to cut superpollutants. In rice farming, alternate wetting and drying can reduce methane emissions by 30% to 70%. The method can also lower water use while maintaining crop yields.

Refrigerant gases are another concern. As demand for air conditioning grows, preventing refrigerant leaks and switching to lower-warming alternatives will become increasingly important.

Some superpollutants also affect human health. Black carbon, produced through incomplete combustion, contributes to air pollution and is linked to heart and lung disease.

Governments can support reductions through stronger standards, methane monitoring, leak detection and limits on routine flaring. Policies can also encourage cleaner practices in agriculture, waste and industry.

Reducing carbon dioxide remains essential for long-term climate goals. However, cutting superpollutants offers another way to slow warming and reduce environmental and health impacts in the years ahead.