Northern Ireland greenhouse gas projection statistics based on 2017 greenhouse gas inventory statistics have been published today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
This statistical report is updated annually and details the Northern Ireland greenhouse gas (GHG) projections. It projects emissions of GHGs in NI from 2018 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 2018 to 2030. It is available at http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-greenhouse-gas-projections.
The key points are:
- The latest Northern Ireland Greenhouse Gas Inventory estimated 2017 emissions to be 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). This was an 18% decrease on the 24 MtCO2e emitted in 1990.
- Projections are produced annually and provide an estimate of emissions of greenhouse gases in Northern Ireland from 2018 to 2030. The latest projection is that greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland will reduce by 37% between 1990 and 2030 to 15 MtCO2e.
Further Information
The statistical report containing more detail can be accessed via the DAERA website http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-greenhouse-gas-projections.
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 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 five main sections in the report which covers NI overview, results by sector, impacts of policy on projections, changes since previous projections and uncertainty.
- 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. No pre-release access is granted and they are produced free from any political interference.
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk.