Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Canadian Economy, 1981-2000

The decrease in the level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industry and agriculture is one of the biggest challenges that European Union (EU) countries have to face. Their economic development should occur under the conditions of limiting the pressure on the environment. The agricultural and industrial sectors play a key role in ensuring food security, technological progress, job security, social well-being, economic competitiveness, and sustainable development. The main purpose of this article was to identify and compare the level, trends, and variability in greenhouse gas emissions from industry and agriculture in EU countries in 2010–2019, to create classes of countries with similar gas emissions, and to analyze the average values of their economic conditions. The original contribution to the article was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the level of greenhouse gas emissions and the economic development of countries and other economic indicators characterizing the sectors of industry and agriculture. Empirical data were obtained from the Eurostat and Ilostat databases. Basic descriptive statistics, classification methods, multiple regression, and correlation methods were used in the study. The industrial and agricultural sectors in EU countries emit similar amounts of greenhouse gases into the environment. In the years 2010–2019, the percentage share of emissions from these sectors in total gas emissions was growing dynamically, but no evidence was found indicating that those countries that emitted the most greenhouse gases significantly reduced their emissions in the decade under review. Moreover, EU countries are still significantly and invariably differentiated in this respect. Greenhouse gas emissions from industry and agriculture are influenced by the economic characteristics of these sectors, such as the level of GDP per capita, the scale of investment by enterprises, the expenditure on research and development, as well as employment in these sectors. The findings of this study show that total greenhouse gas emissions from all sources increase with countries’ economic growth, while a higher level of support of EU countries for research and development, and a greater share of employment in both industry and agriculture, translate into higher greenhouse gas emissions from these sectors. These conclusions may be useful for decision makers in developed and developing countries, as well as those in the industrial and agricultural sectors, in controlling and verifying the possible causes of greenhouse gas emissions in terms of the need to reduce their negative role on the environment and human health.

In this study, the level of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions from a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland were monitored and greenhouse gas emissions were estimated by using a newly developed model. The effects of three different plant species on greenhouse gas emissions were investigated. Cyperus esculentus (Zone I), Typha latifolia (Zone II) and Phragmites australis (Zone III) were selected as the experimental species. Greenhouse gas emissions were sampled twelve times totally by using the closed chamber method between January and December. The highest level of emission was measured for nitrous oxide emission, released from Zone I in August (10,8371 kg CO2e/d). The lowest level of emission was measured for carbon dioxide emission (0,0156 kg CO2e/d) at Zone III in January. The results revealed that Cyperus esculentus has the highest greenhouse gas emission and the highest Global Warming Potential. All greenhouse gas emissions were influenced from different plant species. Phragmites australis could be used for minimizing the level of greenhouse gas emissions as it has the lowest level of greenhouse gas emission and Global Warming Potential. Finally, the possible level of greenhouse gas emission is estimated by using Monte Carlo simulation if the wetland is vegetated with only Phragmites australis. Approximately 33% of greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if the wetland is vegetated onlywith Phragmites australis.

The article aims to analyze the impact of green investments and the development of renewable energy on greenhouse gas emissions based on 223 countries in 2011–2021. The information base is the International Renewable Energy Agency, Our World in Data, Climate Policy Initiative, and FTSE Russell. Correlation analysis was used to check the data multicollinearity, multivariate regression analysis with stepwise variable entry—to formalize functional relationships. All variables characterizing the dynamics of green investments and the development of alternative energy, the number of annual investments in off-grid renewable energy has the largest impact on the amount of CO2 and N2O. Thus, an annual investment increase of USD 1 million leads to a CO2 emission increase of 4.5 kt and an N2O emission increase of 0.272 kt. Simultaneously, the green economy’s market capitalization level has the largest impact on the amount of CH4. In this case, a capitalization increases of USD 1 trillion leads to a CH4 emission increase of 129.53 kt. The dynamics of renewable energy development have a statistically significant effect on only one of the three studied greenhouse gases—CO2 emissions. Here, 1 MW growth of an absolute increase in off-grid renewable energy capacity leads to a 1171.17 kt reduction of CO2 emissions. Checking input data for lags confirmed a time lag of one year between the level of green investments and the level of greenhouse gas emissions. That is, the impact of green investments on the level of greenhouse gas emissions is delayed by one year. The results of regression models taking into account lags confirmed that an increase in the level of green investments has a positive effect on reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions (an increase in off-grid renewable energy annual investments of USD 1 million leads to a decrease in CO2 of 1.18 kt and N2O of 1.102 kt; the increase in green economy market capitalization of USD 1 trillion leads to a decrease in CH4 emissions of 0.64 kt).

With more than half the world's population now living in urban areas and with much of the world still urbanizing, there are concerns that urbanization is a key driver of unsustainable resource demands. Urbanization also appears to contribute to ever-growing levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Meanwhile, in much of Africa and Asia and many nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, urbanization has long outstripped local governments' capacities or willingness to act as can be seen in the high proportion of the urban population living in poor quality, overcrowded, illegal housing lacking provision for water, sanitation, drainage, healthcare and schools. But there is good evidence that urban areas can combine high living standards with relatively low GHG emissions and lower resource demands. This paper draws on some examples of this and considers what these imply for urban policies in a resource-constrained world. These suggest that cities can allow high living standards to be combined with levels of GHG emissions that are much lower than those that are common in affluent cities today. This can be achieved not with an over-extended optimism on what new technologies can bring but mostly by a wider application of what already has been shown to work.

With more than half the world’s population now living in urban areas and with much of the world still urbanizing, there are concerns that urbanization is a key driver of unsustainable resource demands. Urbanization also appears to contribute to ever-growing levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Meanwhile, in much of Africa and Asia and many nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, urbanization has long outstripped local governments’ capacities or willingness to act as can be seen in the high proportion of the urban population living in poor quality, overcrowded, illegal housing lacking provision for water, sanitation, drainage, healthcare and schools. But there is good evidence that urban areas can combine high living standards with relatively low GHG emissions and lower resource demands. This paper draws on some examples of this and considers what these imply for urban policies in a resource-constrained world. These suggest that cities can allow high living standards to be combined with levels of GHG emissions that are much lower than those that are common in affluent cities today. This can be achieved not with an over-extended optimism on what new technologies can bring but mostly by a wider application of what already has been shown to work.

The global rise in average environmental temperatures is associated with the emission of greenhouse gases due to human economic activities, including crop production. Current findings indicate the absence of a systematic approach and tools for a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from crop production. (Research purpose) The study aims to develop mathematical models and methods to assess greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural production. (Materials and methods) The work was carried out based on the analysis of published data from both domestic and international researchers. (Results and discussion) The research validates a set of indicators for assessing the level of greenhouse gas emissions during agricultural production. The novelty of the methodology involves the integration of numerous indicators and parameters of the greenhouse gas emission process, taking into account stochastic disturbances in the emission process. Factors such as soil tillage methods, fuel consumption per unit of work performed, the dose, method and ratio of applied fertilizers, content of plant residues and soil texture, as well as other variables, are considered as stochastic factors. Unlike the methodology outlined in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) for calculating greenhouse gas emissions from crop production, the developed methodology addresses more complex scenarios associated with processes containing simultaneously the elements that are both continuous and discrete in nature. As an example, the paper presents calculations for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from potato cultivation using the proposed methodology. (Conclusions) The calculated probability coefficient, with a value exceeding 2.21, indicates that the technology used does not meet environmental standards. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is necessary to develop technical and technological solutions that optimize the indicators utilized in this methodology.

Greenhouse gas emissions of anthropogenic origin, including those from the food production system, are considered one of the main reasons for global climate warming, so many measures are being taken to reduce them. After joining the European Union, the Visegrad Group countries are obliged to monitor and report the level of greenhouse gas emissions, which is also closely related to the level and structure of energy consumption. According to the International Energy Agency estimates, 75% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union are related to energy production or use. High food productivity brings with it energy-intensive solutions that increase emissions. It is also important that tackling climate change is not a barrier to increased food production. In this context, the lowest possible emission intensity of the food production system, understood as the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of production or gross value added, should be sought. The study aimed to calculate the emission intensity of food production systems in the Visegrad countries in 2010-2016. The emission intensity of agribusiness greenhouse gases was calculated as the emissions forfeited per unit of output and gross value added. The paper uses the author's methods, which are consistent with each other, for calculating agribusiness production and income, as well as greenhouse gas emissions from the food production system. Data from input-output tables and, consistent with these tables, environmental accounts published on Eurostat's website were used to calculate these quantities. During the period under review, the GHG intensity index decreased in Visegrad countries despite an overall increase in emissions of primary greenhouse gases from food production. However, these changes are minor, mainly due to the short analysis period. However, further growth in food production may not contribute to an increase in the level of greenhouse gas emissions. Financing pro-environmental investments at all stages of food production will be key in this regard. Further research in this area, using the methodology presented in this article, will make it possible to compare the results obtained with those calculated from more recent data. This will make it possible to capture the impact of, for example, the European Green Deal and the financing of pro-environmental investments in the agribusiness of the Visegrad Group countries.

BackgroundThe typical Western diet is associated with high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and with obesity and other diet-related diseases. This study aims to determine the impact of adjustments to the current diet at specific moments of food consumption, to lower GHG emissions and improve diet quality.MethodsFood consumption in the Netherlands was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-h recalls for adults aged 19–69 years (n = 2102). GHG emission of food consumption was evaluated with the use of life cycle assessments. The population was stratified by gender and according to tertiles of dietary GHG emission. Scenarios were developed to lower GHG emissions of people in the highest tertile of dietary GHG emission; 1) reducing red and processed meat consumed during dinner by 50% and 75%, 2) replacing 50% and 100% of alcoholic and soft drinks (including fruit and vegetable juice and mineral water) by tap water, 3) replacing cheese consumed in between meals by plant-based alternatives and 4) two combinations of these scenarios. Effects on GHG emission as well as nutrient content of the diet were assessed.ResultsThe mean habitual daily dietary GHG emission in the highest tertile of dietary GHG emission was 6.7 kg CO2-equivalents for men and 5.1 kg CO2-equivalents for women. The scenarios with reduced meat consumption and/or replacement of all alcoholic and soft drinks were most successful in reducing dietary GHG emissions (ranging from − 15% to − 34%) and also reduced saturated fatty acid intake and/or sugar intake. Both types of scenarios lead to reduced energy and iron intakes. Protein intake remained adequate.ConclusionsReducing the consumption of red and processed meat during dinner and of soft and alcoholic drinks throughout the day leads to significantly lower dietary GHG emissions of people in the Netherlands in the highest tertile of dietary GHG emissions, while also having health benefits. For subgroups of the population not meeting energy or iron requirements as a result of these dietary changes, low GHG emission and nutritious replacement foods might be needed in order to meet energy and iron requirements.

Power plant heat-rate efficiency as a regulatory mechanism: Implications for emission rates and levels

In August 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new policy – the Affordable Clean Energy rule – to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from existing coal-fired electric generating units and power plants. The new rule establishes emissions guidelines, including heat-rate efficiency improvements, for states when developing plans to limit GHG emissions. Past studies have indicated that heat-rate efficiency improvements can increase electricity output, leading to a reduction in emissions rates and an increase in emissions levels – a rebound effect that can temper the emissions-reduction benefits of plant-level heat-rate efficiency. This study adds to the literature by examining data on the relationship of plant-level heat-rate efficiency on the rate and level of GHG emissions. We explored three different types of GHGs – carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Controlling for variation across operators, our results suggest that gains in heat-rate efficiency are associated with higher levels of all three pollutants. Specifically, we found that a ten percent increase in heat-rate efficiency led to an average seven-to-nine percent increase in the level of GHG emissions. Our analysis highlights the need to further study the full effects of heat-rate efficiency policies before such rules are enacted.

Cities as global centers of consumption and production often are a significant and growing source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, local authorities are increasingly taking action on climate change by focusing on reducing GHG emissions and efficiency improvement opportunities. To assess and reduce the overall greenhouse gas emission level from an urban area, it is necessary to identify all the activities and processes which generate these emissions. GHG inventory gives an opportunity to get wider knowledge for city’s community about spatial emission processes and emissions contribution of key sources categories at the local scale. Inventory is being used for decision-making purposes and strategic planning in emission reduction policy. The goal of this paper was to clarify the major methodological challenges of GHG monitoring at the urban level. The paper is based on the discussion of different methods and approaches to assessing GHG emissions at the local level. It is presented sectoral GHGs emission trends in selected urban areas and compared CO2 emission level in different countries and metropolises and variable European cities guidance. The study determines the inventory tools of GHGs emission taking into account the characteristics of main sources at local levels.

It is likely that a diverse range of nationally-determined mitigation contributions will be communicated by Parties under the 2015 climate change agreement. An effective post-2020 accounting framework to understand and track implementation of these mitigation contributions will therefore need to accommodate a range of contribution types and varying national capacities. With Parties now undertaking domestic preparations for developing intended mitigation contributions for the 2015 agreement, three key issues are: (i) what up-front information should be provided alongside intended mitigation contributions to facilitate understanding of the intended contributions and their expected impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions levels; (ii) what accounting rules or guidance for post-2020 mitigation contributions (if any) would it be helpful to agree or develop before 2020, to facilitate understanding of intended contributions and their expected impacts on GHG emissions levels; and (iii) the timing of key decisions on accounting issues, taking into account the agreed timetable for communication of intended mitigation contributions. This paper explores these questions in greater detail and highlights issues that Parties may wish to consider when preparing and communicating their mitigation contributions. Providing Parties with some structure for the framing of intended mitigation contributions could help simplify domestic preparations for these intended contributions, in particular for those Parties with lower institutional capacity.

Life-cycle analysis, by global region, of automotive lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt batteries of varying nickel content

Greenhouse gas emissions from sugar cane ethanol: Estimate considering current different production scenarios in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract. To track progress towards keeping global warming well below 2 ∘C or even 1.5 ∘C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement, comprehensive up-to-date and reliable information on anthropogenic emissions and removals of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is required. Here we compile a new synthetic dataset on anthropogenic GHG emissions for 1970–2018 with a fast-track extension to 2019. Our dataset is global in coverage and includes CO2 emissions, CH4 emissions, N2O emissions, as well as those from fluorinated gases (F-gases: HFCs, PFCs, SF6, NF3) and provides country and sector details. We build this dataset from the version 6 release of the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR v6) and three bookkeeping models for CO2 emissions from land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF). We assess the uncertainties of global greenhouse gases at the 90 % confidence interval (5th–95th percentile range) by combining statistical analysis and comparisons of global emissions inventories and top-down atmospheric measurements with an expert judgement informed by the relevant scientific literature. We identify important data gaps for F-gas emissions. The agreement between our bottom-up inventory estimates and top-down atmospheric-based emissions estimates is relatively close for some F-gas species (∼ 10 % or less), but estimates can differ by an order of magnitude or more for others. Our aggregated F-gas estimate is about 10 % lower than top-down estimates in recent years. However, emissions from excluded F-gas species such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are cumulatively larger than the sum of the reported species. Using global warming potential values with a 100-year time horizon from the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global GHG emissions in 2018 amounted to 58 ± 6.1 GtCO2 eq. consisting of CO2 from fossil fuel combustion and industry (FFI) 38 ± 3.0 GtCO2, CO2-LULUCF 5.7 ± 4.0 GtCO2, CH4 10 ± 3.1 GtCO2 eq., N2O 2.6 ± 1.6 GtCO2 eq., and F-gases 1.3 ± 0.40 GtCO2 eq. Initial estimates suggest further growth of 1.3 GtCO2 eq. in GHG emissions to reach 59 ± 6.6 GtCO2 eq. by 2019. Our analysis of global trends in anthropogenic GHG emissions over the past 5 decades (1970–2018) highlights a pattern of varied but sustained emissions growth. There is high confidence that global anthropogenic GHG emissions have increased every decade, and emissions growth has been persistent across the different (groups of) gases. There is also high confidence that global anthropogenic GHG emissions levels were higher in 2009–2018 than in any previous decade and that GHG emissions levels grew throughout the most recent decade. While the average annual GHG emissions growth rate slowed between 2009 and 2018 (1.2 % yr−1) compared to 2000–2009 (2.4 % yr−1), the absolute increase in average annual GHG emissions by decade was never larger than between 2000–2009 and 2009–2018. Our analysis further reveals that there are no global sectors that show sustained reductions in GHG emissions. There are a number of countries that have reduced GHG emissions over the past decade, but these reductions are comparatively modest and outgrown by much larger emissions growth in some developing countries such as China, India, and Indonesia. There is a need to further develop independent, robust, and timely emissions estimates across all gases. As such, tracking progress in climate policy requires substantial investments in independent GHG emissions accounting and monitoring as well as in national and international statistical infrastructures. The data associated with this article (Minx et al., 2021) can be found at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5566761.