Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Gas, 1998

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Abstract

The regional pattern of greenhouse gas emissions for 1998 is shown here. The map also shows regional emissions per capita, in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per habitant in each region. Carbon dioxide emissions are a large part, at least 55%, of the total greenhouse gas emissions in each region. Methane's share of greenhouse gas emissions is higher in provinces where agriculture and fossil fuel production are important economic activities. Nitrous oxide is produced by the transportation sector and by agricultural activities. The other gases shown are produced primarily by industrial sectors, particularly the aluminium production, located mainly in Quebec.

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The Theme

This map shows the regional pattern of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions for 1998. The main greenhouse gases shown are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Other gases include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆). All of these gases are converted to a common unit - millions of tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

The map also shows regional emissions per capita, in terms of tonnes of CO₂ per habitant in each region. Higher values of carbon emissions per capita (identified by a dark green color on the map) means that the economies of these regions consume more carbon content fuels to produce goods and services.

All the GHG statistics are represented on a provincial basis, except for British Columbia and the Territories, for which only a regional aggregate statistics is available (British Columbia makes up around 95% of the population in the British Columbia and Territories region). The provincial statistics for each of the Atlantic provinces can be viewed by zooming in on this region.

Interpretation

Carbon dioxide emissions are a large part, at least 55%, of the total GHG emissions in each region. This gas, which is emitted mainly due to the consumption of fossil fuels, accounts for more than 75% of Canadian GHG emissions.

Methane is produced mainly from agricultural activities, but also from waste sites and from the production and transportation of fossil fuels. Methane's share of GHG emissions is higher in provinces where agriculture and fossil fuel production are important economic activities. Nitrous oxide is produced by the transportation sector and by agricultural activities. The other gases shown (HFCs, PFCs and SF₆) are produced primarily by industrial sectors, particularly the aluminum production, located mainly in Quebec.

Data Source

The original data are estimates from Environment Canada, using the GHG definitions provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The digital data for this map can be downloaded here.