Northern Ireland greenhouse gas projection statistics released

Northern Ireland greenhouse gas projection statistics based on 2019 greenhouse gas inventory statistics have been published today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

This statistical report is updated annually and details the Northern Ireland greenhouse gas (GHG) projections. It projects emissions of GHGs in NI from 2020 to 2030 and considers the reduction in emissions from 1990 to 2030. The greenhouse gas inventory as well as projections data for energy, agriculture, population and land use change are used to estimate emissions from 2020 to 2030. 

The key points are:

• The latest Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Inventory estimated 2019 emissions to be 21 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e).  This was an 18% decrease on the 26 MtCO2e emitted in 1990. 
• Projections are produced annually and provide an estimate of emissions of greenhouse gases in Northern Ireland from 2020 to 2030. The latest projection is that greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland will reduce by 32% between 1990 and 2030 to 18 MtCO2e.

Download the statistical report

Notes to editors: 

1. The data in this report are based on a model which incorporates the latest available GHG inventory data and various projection data for energy, agriculture, population and land use change.
2. The model was extensively updated in 2019 to review the assumptions used for each sector with particular attention given to the energy sector. The model was revised to allow easier integration of data and recoded to provide better alignment to the National Communication (NC) sectors.
3. There are five main sections in the report which covers NI overview, results by sector, impacts of policy on projections, changes since previous projections and statistical uncertainty.
4. Greenhouse Gas emissions include seven gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). The last four gases are collectively referred to as fluorinated gases or F gases. Depending on their molecular weights, radiative properties and residence times in the atmosphere, each greenhouse gas is weighted by its global warming potential (GWP), so that total greenhouse gas emissions can be reported on a consistent basis. The GWP for each gas is defined as its warming influence relative to that of carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gas emissions are then presented in carbon dioxide equivalent units.
5. These statistics comply with the UK Statistics Authority Code of Practice for statistics.
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7. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk
8. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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