Spain’s Greenhouse Gases Up 48% Since 1990; Drought, Cars and Electricity Consumption the Culprits
18 April 2006
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| Greenhouse gas inventory, 1990–2004, Click to enlarge. |
Spain’s emissions of greenhouse gases have risen 48% from 1990 to 2004, climbing from 289.4 million metric tons CO2 equivalent to 428 million metric tons, according to a report produced by the Environment Ministry that will be sent to the European Commission. Greenhouse gas emissions rose 4.8% from 2003 to 2004.
Emissions of carbon dioxide alone rose 55% from 1990 to 2004, climbing from 228.7 metric tons to 354.6 metric tons. Carbon dioxide emissions rose 6.2% from 2003 to 2004. These results position Spain as the worst relative performer among the EU-15 in controlling emissions of greenhouse gases.
Under the Kyoto protocol to limit carbon dioxide emissions and curb global warming, Spain is allowed to increase its emissions by only 15% between the base year 1990 and 2008.
The Spanish Environment Ministry attributed the magnitude of the latest increase to the impact of a drought, which reduced hydroelectric generating capacity, increases in electricity consumption and higher car ownership.
Spain’s Environment and Industry Ministries are now working on their emissions allocation plan for 2008-2012.
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