Greenhouse gas

Abstract

Under the Kyoto Protocol, Canada has made an international commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 6 percent below the 1990 levels by 2012. The agriculture sector has the potential to help Canada achieve this objective. GHG emissions from agricultural sources include three gases: nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). In 2001, net emissions of these three gases from on-farm practices (excluding emissions associated with the use of fossil fuel) were estimated at 53.1 Mt CO2eq, or about 8 percent of Canada's total GHG emissions. Between 1981 and 2001, on-farm GHG emissions decreased by 6.0 percent (3.4 Mt CO2eq), largely as a result of agricultural soils changing from being a source of 8.2 Mt CO2 to a sink of ?4.4 Mt CO2. During the same period, nitrous oxide emissions increased from 24.7 to 31.7 Mt CO2eq and methane emissions increased from 23.6 to 25.8 Mt CO2eq. Improved management practices can reduce GHG emissions from agricultural sources and to mitigate the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels by sequestering (storing) carbon in agricultural soils. Improved management practices may also help to reduce inefficiencies in fertilizer use and land management generating economic gains for agricultural producers.

Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Budget Under 2001 Management Practices

Contact Information

To request a copy of this document, please contact the National Agri-Environmental Health Analysis and Reporting Program - Administration Office.

Email: naharp-pnarsa@agr.gc.ca