Northern Ireland greenhouse gas projection statistics released
Date published:
Northern Ireland greenhouse gas projection statistics based on 2020 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 2021 to 2031 and considers the reduction in emissions from 1990 to 2031. The greenhouse gas inventory as well as projections data for energy, agriculture, population, electricity demand, gas and land use change are used to estimate emissions from 2021 to 2031.
The key points are:
- The latest Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Inventory estimated 2020 emissions to be 21 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). This was a 24% decrease on the 28 MtCO2e emitted in 1990.
- Projections are produced annually, and this year’s provide an estimate of emissions of greenhouse gases in Northern Ireland from 2021 to 2031. The latest projection is that greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland will reduce by 34% between 1990 and 2031 to 18 MtCO2e.
Further information:
Notes to editors:
- 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, electricity demand, gas and land use change.
- 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.
- There are four main sections in the report which covers NI overview, results by sector, impacts of policy on projections and changes since previous projections.
- 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.
- These statistics comply with the UK Statistics Authority Code of Practice for statistics.
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