Canada's 2023 National Inventory Report: Emissions Update and Analysis

Strategic Insights -

Canada's 2023 National Inventory Report, published by Environment and Climate Change Canada on April 14, 2023, provides an in-depth analysis of the country's greenhouse gas emissions from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2021. The report is a crucial tool for decision-making to reduce Canada's emissions and combat climate change. Key findings include a decrease in overall emissions since 2005, but an increase in emissions in 2021 compared to 2020. The report highlights the importance of emissions intensity reduction, land-use activities, and nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • Canada's greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 were 670 megatonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2 eq), a decrease of 62 Mt (8.4 percent) from 2005, but an increase of 12 Mt (1.8 percent) from 2020.
  • Emissions intensity for the entire Canadian economy has declined by 42 percent since 1990, and by 29 percent since 2005.
  • Transport emissions increased by 9 Mt (5.0 percent) in 2021 compared to 2020, with road transportation accounting for the majority of transport emissions.
  • Landfill methane emissions decreased by 5.3 percent since 2005, with 36 percent of landfill waste emissions being captured by landfill gas collection facilities in 2021.
  • Land-use activities, such as planting trees and regenerative agriculture, have reduced carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and are an important part of Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
  • Oil and gas emissions decreased by 15 Mt (21 percent) since 2005, with a significant decrease in methane emissions from the upstream oil and gas industry between 2019 and 2020.
  • Agricultural emissions in 2021 accounted for 54 Mt, or 8.1 percent, of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, with an increase of 13 Mt, or 32 percent, since 1990.

Statistics:

  • Total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada in 2021: 670 Mt CO2 eq.
  • Decrease in overall emissions since 2005: 62 Mt (8.4 percent).
  • Increase in emissions in 2021 compared to 2020: 12 Mt (1.8 percent).
  • Emissions intensity for the entire Canadian economy:

+ Declined by 42 percent since 1990.

+ Declined by 29 percent since 2005.

  • Landfill methane emissions in 2021: 21 Mt (3.1 percent).
  • Methane emissions from municipal solid-waste landfills in 2021: 82 percent of all waste emissions.
  • Landfill gas collection facilities in 2021: 36 percent of landfill waste emissions were captured, up from 29 percent in 2005.
  • Agricultural emissions in 2021: 54 Mt (8.1 percent) of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.
  • Increase in agricultural emissions since 1990: 13 Mt (32 percent).
  • Nitrous oxide emissions from applying inorganic nitrogen fertilizers in 2021: 133 percent increase since 1990.
  • Carbon dioxide emissions from using urea-based fertilizers in 2021: 266 percent increase since 1990.

Sources:

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023 National Inventory Report.
  • Canada's Eighth National Communication and Fifth Biennial Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.