Sectoral assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in Pakistan

In this study, an attempt has been made to develop inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for Pakistan at the national and sectoral level. The emission profile includes carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). In 2012, GHG emissions from different sectors of economy are estimated at 367 Tg CO₂eq. Out of this, CO₂ emissions were 179 Tg; CH₄ emissions were 107 Tg CO₂eq; and N₂O emissions were 81 Tg CO₂eq. Energy and agriculture sectors contribute approximately 89% of national GHG emissions. Industrial processes, waste, and land use change and forestry (LUCF) sectors contribute the remaining 11% GHG emissions. A comparison with the 1994 GHG emission inventory of Pakistan shows that GHG emissions in Pakistan from 1994 to 2012 have increased at an annual growth rate of 4.1% and yet anticipated to increase further for meeting the national developmental goals; however, the per capita emissions in Pakistan will remain low when compared with the global average.