Climate Change blog 1. Main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Spain

The data reveal that total emissions in 2007 were 52.6% higher than 1990 (UNFFC, 2009). Analysis by economic sector reveals that the Energy group made the greatest contribution (78.1%) and that this increased in the final period, rising in 2007 by 0.2% on the year before. In 2007, the Industrial Processes and Agriculture sectors accounted for 7.9% and 10.5%, representing respective falls over the period of 1.3% and 3.5%. At the end of the period, the Waste sector was responsible for 3.2%. This constitutes a significant increase on the 1990 figure (0.5%). The Solvent and Other Product Use sector’s share decreased slightly from 0.5% in 1990 to 0.4% in 2007, remaining a marginal emissions source in absolute terms when compared with the inventory as a whole.

Figure 1. CO2 eq by activity

Source: UNFFC (2009)

Figure 2. GHG in energy sector                       Figure 3. GHG in industry sector

Source: UN (2009)

However I think that these data should be updated because the Spanish economy has changed sharply in the last three years. Actually, according to the European Environment Agency’s, the Spanish greenhouse gas emissions fell over 2010 by 2.9%, while in the EU as a whole increased by 2,4%. This reduction was due to two different causes; the economical crisis and the increase of the renewable energy use. Whereas the Spanish economy registered in 2010 a fall by 0,1% (INE, 2011), the use of renewable energy (as a primary energy) increased a 0,9 % (Energy Balance, 2011).

Figure 2. Evolution of CO2 emissions equivalent for the national total*.

Source: UNFFC (2009)*There are three scenarios in which emissions are projected: “Without Measures” Scenario”, “With Measures Scenario” and “Additional Measures Scenario.

From my point of view, the emissions in the next years will continue going down mainly because of the lack of production in the industry sector because of the economy stagnation. Thus, on the other hand, I hope that during the next years, the government boosts the use of renewable energies, as well as the more efficient transportation and the utilization of new waste management technologies reducing the emissions released to the atmosphere.

References:

Energy Balance (2011). Secretaria de Estado de Energia. Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio.

INE (2011). National Statistics Institute (INE). Retrieved 26/01/2012 from http://www.ine.es.

UNFFC (2009). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2009) Quinta Comunicación Nacional de España.

UN (2009). United Nations. Climate Change Secretariat. Summary of GHG Emissions for Spain (2009).

1 comentario / 26 Jan 2012 por Carlos Cerdan Infantes
IMSD /

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