Compounds in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Sunlight to Heat
GHGs allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely. The Earth absorbs sunlight and radiates energy back as heat.
Heat Retention
GHGs prevent this heat from escaping back into space, warming the planet.
Natural Process
This is a natural process essential for life, maintaining the Earth's temperature at a livable average of about 15°C (59°F).
Enhanced Effect
Human activities since the Industrial Revolution have increased GHG concentrations, enhancing the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming.
Primary Greenhouse Gases and Their Sources
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
The most significant GHG emitted by human activities, primarily from burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil), deforestation, industrial processes, and some agricultural practices.
Methane (CH4)
About 25 times more effective than CO2 at trapping heat over a 100-year period, released from the production/transport of fossil fuels, livestock, other agricultural practices, and decay of organic waste in landfills.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
: Around 298 times more potent than CO2 over a century, produced by agricultural and industrial activities, as well as combustion of solid waste and fossil fuels.
Fluorinated Gases
Synthetic gases including hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride used in various industrial applications. They have a much higher global warming potential than natural GHGs and are targeted in climate mitigation strategies.
Why is Awareness of GHG Emissions Crucial Now?
Regulatory Compliance and Policy Response:
Escalating GHG emissions correlate with accelerated climate change.
Manifestations include extreme weather patterns and global temperature rise.
Heightened awareness is crucial for adherence to evolving environmental policies.
International frameworks, like the Paris Agreement, guide informed actions in both public and private sectors.
The Net-Zero Standard by the SBTi:
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) launched the Net-Zero Standard in 2021, guiding companies to align with the Paris Agreement by setting science-based emission reduction and net-zero targets.
This collaboration between CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI, and WWF establishes best practices for corporate climate action and sustainable growth .
Public Health Imperatives:
Elevated GHG concentrations are linked to adverse health outcomes from air pollution and climate-related hazards.
Awareness is key to designing health-centric environmental policies.
Economic Transition and Resilience:
Transitioning towards sustainable models is vital for economies.
Understanding GHG emissions helps businesses mitigate risks and seize opportunities in the green economy.
Innovation and Clean Technology Advancement:
Awareness emphasizes the need for and benefits of clean technologies.
This includes renewable energy and carbon capture and storage solutions.
Corporate Sustainability and Investor Scrutiny:
Investors and consumers increasingly demand environmental stewardship.
GHG emissions management is essential for corporate governance and investment decisions.
Type of Emissions
Purpose of Categorization:
Helps organizations measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint more effectively.
Facilitates a comprehensive understanding of all emission sources within and beyond direct control.
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
Includes emissions from company-owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.
Represents GHGs released directly into the atmosphere during company operations.
Scope 2 Emissions
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.
Occurs at sources owned or controlled by another entity but result from the company's energy consumption.
Scope 3 Emissions:
All other indirect emissions not included in Scope 2, occurring in the company's value chain.
Includes emissions associated with business travel, procurement, waste disposal, and use of sold products and services.
Encompasses both upstream and downstream emissions.
Key Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting and Management
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard: The de facto international standard providing companies with a comprehensive framework for measuring and reporting their greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes. ISO 14064 Series: A set of international standards guiding organizations in quantifying, reporting, verifying, and managing GHG emissions at both the corporate and project levels. Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP): A global platform enabling organizations to disclose, manage, and share information about their environmental impacts, including GHG emissions, to stakeholders. Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB): Provides industry-specific standards that guide companies in disclosing financially material sustainability information, including GHG emissions, to investors. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): Offers a comprehensive framework for transparent and standardized sustainability reporting, including detailed guidance on GHG emission disclosure. Climate Registry Reporting Program: Facilitates consistent, transparent GHG emissions reporting and verification for North American organizations, supporting both voluntary and regulatory programs.
