Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity: More about the data

Greenhouse gas emissions are reported in mass (i.e., kilotonnes, or kt) of carbon dioxide equivalents. Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is a metric used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential. It provides a single number for greenhouse gas trend analysis, and allows for comparison of different greenhouse gases to each other.

This indicator shows the annual greenhouse gas emissions intensity (kilotonnes of greenhouse gas per million dollars Gross Domestic Product or GDP) divided by the 1990 emissions intensity value. This gives an annual comparison to the 1990 intensity, shown as a percentage. In 2005, for example, the greenhouse gas emissions intensity was 79% of what it was in 1990.

Carbon dioxide equivalent concentrations were taken from the 2005 National GHG Inventory Report (Environment Canada 2007). Gross Domestic Product values for 1990 - 2005 were obtained from Alberta Finance.