Chemically, black carbon is a component of fine particulate matter. It is essentially pure carbon formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuel, and biomass, and is emitted in both anthropogenic and naturally occurring soot. Cooking with rudimentary fuels is bad for the air and for human environments. This is an ongoing problem in the third world and of concern.

No. I had not. According to the wiki, Silvopasture is the practice of integrating trees, forage, and the grazing of domesticated animals in a mutually beneficial way. It utilizes the principles of managed grazing. The biggest advantage is the regenerative nature of the practice and eco-balance. Silvopasture is  one of several distinct forms of agroforestry.

Smaller companies can play a role driving energy innovation and productivity: two of the main factors which over time make an economy more competitive hence driving up employment and living standards. Micro energy cuts down on waste, fraud, and abuse and efficiently breaks down oligopolies. BONUS: Micro Biz a good flow of new market-shaping ideas makes an economy more innovative. 

Contacting local, state, and national agencies to advocate for zero emission transportation options is a viable action that I can take. This challenge asked us to improve a bus stop; in doing so, I can see that making simple changes that make these spaces more attractive could actually increase the likelihood that people would utilize public transportation. Encouraging cities to (re)design themselves around public transportation and pedestrians versus cars would also help meet human needs while reducing environmental impact. Little actions can really add up, especially when we are all making them!

I think america in general has a problem with over portioning, and reducing the portion sizes may reduce your waste, and your waist! As this question states, there is a significant lag between when your stomach registers as full, and when your brain registers as full. You can always go back for a little more after waiting half an hour, but you can't put it back, at least not in a healthy way! 

Buying the foods that you know you will use by the time the expire will reduce the amount of waste you produce! Meats seem to be an especially problematic part of this equation, as their production impact is fairly large, and if it goes to waste then it's an even bigger drain on the environment as there was no net positive output by the food.