This study investigates the long-term shift of the boreal summer intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the Maritime Continent from 1980 to 2014 and its impact on black carbon (BC) concentration and public health. Results show an equatorward ITCZ shift (~2.1°) due to equatorial warming, reducing BC in maritime areas but increasing it in continental areas. This shift decreased BC-associated premature mortality in maritime countries (~13%) but increased it in continental countries (~6%). The study highlights the need to consider climate change impacts in air pollution mitigation strategies.

Tao Huang, Yefu Gu, David Lallemant, Gabriel N. C. Lau, Joseph J. Y. Sung, Steve H. L. Yim