142 www.gogreen-project.eu Information on the main emissions and removals of the main greenhouse gases to and from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities such as transportation, electricity, industry. It enters the atmosphere through burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees and other biological materials, and also as a result of certain chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). The most effective way to reduce CO2 emissions is to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Many strategies for reducing CO2 emissions from energy are cross-cutting and apply to homes, businesses, industry, and transportation. Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere (or "sequestered") when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle. Examples of Reduction Opportunities for CO2: ● Energy efficiency ● Energy conservation ● Fuel switching ● Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) ● Changes in uses of land and land management practices Methane (CH4): Globally, 50-65 percent of total CH4 emissions come from human activities. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Main sources are from energy, industry, agriculture, land use, and waste management activities from homes and businesses. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices, land use and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills. Methane is also emitted by natural sources such as natural wetlands. Examples of Reduction Opportunities for CO2: ● Upgrading the equipment used to produce, store, and transport oil and natural gas ● Altering manure management in agriculture ● Emission controls that capture and landfill CH4 Nitrous oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural, land use, industrial activities, combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste, as well as during treatment of wastewater. Nitrous oxide is also naturally present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth's nitrogen cycle, and has a variety of natural sources. Human activities such as agriculture, fuel combustion, wastewater management, and industrial processes are increasing the amount of N2O in the atmosphere. Examples of reduction opportunities for N2O: ● Reducing nitrogen-based fertilizer applications in agriculture ● Fuel combustion ● Technological upgrades and fuel switching in the industry
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