Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decreased in 2006

16 May 2008

Total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada in 2006 were 721 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt of CO₂e), a decrease of 1.9% from 2005 levels, and 2.8% from 2003 levels, according to the latest annual inventory submitted by Environment Canada. Overall, the long-term trend indicates that emissions in 2006 were about 22% above the 1990 total of 592 Mt. This trend shows a level 29.1% above Canada’s Kyoto target of 558.4 Mt.

The decrease in emissions is due primarily to a reduction in emissions from electricity production (reduced coal and increased hydro and nuclear generation) and from fossil fuel production (as a result of fuel switching and less oil being refined), as well as reduced demand for heating fuels because of warmer winters in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Emissions from the transportation sector remained flat at 190 Mt in 2005 and 2006. Transport emissions have increased 5% (9.22 Mt) from 2003 to 2005-06 and by 32.1% since 1990. Within that sector, emissions from light-duty gasoline vehicles dropped 6% from 2005 to 2006, and have dropped 15.1% since 1990. However, emissions from light-duty gasoline trucks—e.g., pickups and SUVs—increased 3.8% from 2005 to 2006, and have increased by 116.4% since 1990.

In 2006, light-duty gasoline vehicles emitted 38.9 Mt of GHG; light-duty gasoline trucks emitted 44.8 Mt.

Resources

• Canada’s GHG Inventory