Mechanisms by which SLCFs can influence Arctic climate. They include the impacts on the region’s heat balance as aerosols absorb or scatter the sun’s energy in the atmosphere, as greenhouse gases absorb heat, and and as particles darken light surfaces, such as snow and ice, making them less effective in reflecting the sun’s energy. Aerosols also affect the properties of clouds and their ability to reflect light. In addition to impacts in the Arctic, the impacts of SLCFs on the heat balance at mid- and lower latitudes affect the amount of heat that is transported to the Arctic.