B.C.'s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
British Columbia is responsible for a small fraction of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, that is no reason for inaction. We must show leadership and do our part to address the serious threat of climate change. By understanding the sources and amounts of GHG emitted by these sources, governments, industry, business, individuals — all British Columbians — can determine where we should focus our emissions-reduction efforts.
Emissions Data
B.C.'s Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In 2006, B.C. emitted 62.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gases (measured in carbon dioxide equivalent). This amount is 8.6% of Canada's total 721 Mt GHG emissions. At the same time, the province accounted for 13% of Canada's population, and 12.5% of Canada's gross domestic product. B.C.'s proportionately lower emissions are largely due to its use of hydroelectric power, low home heating and cooling requirements in the major population centres, its relatively small industrial sector and the industrial use of other renewable energy sources, such as wood residue in the forest sector.
The addition of 4.0 Mt of net deforestation (deforestation less afforestation) raises the provincial GHG inventory total to 66.3 Mt. The approximately 8300 ha of deforestation
that occurs annually results in a 4.0 Mt source while afforestation
currently accounts for a small sink of 37 kilotonnes.
Total provincial emissions grew by around 27.5% between 1990 and 2004 — the third largest increase in Canada, after Saskatchewan and Alberta. Rapid population growth and expansion of the natural gas industry were the two primary drivers of B.C.'s increased emissions over this period
Provincial Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The Greenhouse Gas Reductions Target Act
(GGRTA) mandates the Ministry of Environment to produce a biannual greenhouse gas inventory, with additional requirement for a baseline for future reductions to be set based on 2007 emissions levels. It is envisaged that, in large part, this inventory will be based on, and released in the months subsequent to, Environment Canada’s annual National Inventory Report.
To provide a full account of GHG emissions in British Columbia, other inventory items - such as the already added net deforestation and limestone and dolomite use (which is currently not presented at a provincial level) - in future may be added to the scope of the provincial inventory.
The Community Energy and Emissions Inventory (CEEI)
The CEEI initiative is being undertaken to provide community energy- and greenhouse-gas-inventory reports for all B.C. local governments.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector |
Transportation accounts for the largest share of provincial GHG emissions, followed by the oil and gas industry. These sectors are also among B.C.'s fastest-growing emission sources, along with electricity supply, agriculture and landfill waste.
However, compared to many other North American jurisdictions, the electricity industry remains a small contributor to B.C.'s total GHG emissions because of the province's reliance on hydroelectric power generation.
The sectoral breakdown of B.C.'s emissions differs significantly from the rest of Canada. Transportation's share is much higher (36%) than that of the country as a whole (25%), while B.C.'s electricity and heat generation share (2.5%) is much lower than Canada's (17%). |
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Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Emissions |
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On a per capita (person) basis, B.C. is one of the lowest greenhouse gas emitters in North America. It ranks second lowest in Canada, after Quebec.
In 2006, B.C.'s emissions intensity was 14.4 tonnes (carbon dioxide equivalent) per capita. That's more than one-third below the national average of 23.1 tonnes.
The predominance of hydroelectricity generation - with relatively little consumption of fossil fuels - is the main reason for B.C.'s relatively low per-capita emissions. |
Household Greenhouse Gas Emissions |
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British Columbians are directly responsible for about 30% of provincial GHG emissions, amounting to about 4.5 tonnes per person, per year.
We are among the world's highest energy users, and energy accounts for over 80% of our emissions. Consequently, individual action can make a tremendous difference.
There are many choices available to help decrease personal emissions. For more information, visit LiveSmartBC.
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