Trends of Livestock-related NH3, CH4, N2O and PM Emissions in Greece

Abstract

It is well established that the livestock sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia (NH3) emissions. In this paper, the evolution of livestock NH3, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and particulate matter (PM) emissions is presented for the period 1960–2005 in Greece and the factors influencing the emission fluxes (such as livestock population changes, manure management systems in use) are examined and analyzed. Emission estimates are based on the updated EMEP/CORINAIR methodology together with the revised IPCC guidelines; newly published, Greece-specific emission factors are used. The emissions level from livestock is evaluated and compared with the corresponding emissions from other anthropogenic sources in Greece. Geographical analysis concerning the distribution of animals and the subsequent NH3 emissions is performed. Main results indicate high levels of emissions from 1960 to 1995, while emissions from 1995 to 2005 show a stabilizing trend.