global atmosphere
Net Greenhouse Gas Emissions R 7: 1990-2004
(Million tonnes of carbon equivalent) R
'Basket' of GHGs | 1990 | 1995 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 20049 |
|---|
Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) | 13.6 | 13.2 | 13.6 | 12.4 | 12.4 | 11.7 |
|---|
Methane (CH 4) | 2.2 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
|---|
Nitrous Oxide (N 2O) | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 |
|---|
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) | 0.00 | 0.04 | 0.14 | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.20 |
|---|
Pefluorocarbons (PFCs) | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
|---|
Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF 6) | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.02 |
|---|
Net Scottish emissionss10,11,12 | 17.6 | 16.9 | 17.0 | 15.5 | 15.5 | 14.7 |
|---|
Net UK emissions13 | 212.2 | 194.7 | 182.8 | 179.1 | 180.5 | 180.5 |
|---|
It should be noted that improved data sources and estimation techniques have routinely led to revision of historic greenhouse gas emission estimates.
'Greenhouse' gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere help to retain radiation, resulting in warming of the lower atmosphere and earth surface. The process, known as the greenhouse effect, is essential to maintain global temperatures that sustain life on earth. Atmospheric concentrations of GHGs have increased as a result of human activities since the industrial revolution ( c.1750). This has enhanced the greenhouse effect.
The net emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases in Scotland (taking account of removals of carbon dioxide due to land use change and forestry) fell by 16.7% between 1990 and 2004. Net emissions of carbon dioxide fell by 14.1% over this period.
SOURCE: AEA ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT14