GHG emissions data are derived from a variety of sources, ranging from direct emissions (Scope 1) from an organization's operations to indirect emissions (Scopes 2 and 3) across the full value chain. Gathering this data entails navigating a wide range of industries, each with its own set of obstacles in data collection, standardization, and reporting.
Forecasting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions plays an important role in the global effort to address climate change and achieve sustainability goals. Accurate data would support forecasting of future emissions and give vital insights for governments, industry, and society as a whole.
Recently, I was preparing a GHG emissions forecast using publicly accessible datasets with the aim of modelling comparable scenarios at varying temperatures. The dataset that I eventually used was obtained from the UNFCCC website and comparable data is also available on the OECD's website. Although the information on these two websites are generally considered reliable and transparent, there were some substantial disparities in the data for different countries. I have included a chart that shows the total GHG emissions (not including LULUCF) in kt CO2 equivalent for 44 countries between 1990 and 2021, with forecast through 2030.
Recently, I was preparing a GHG emissions forecast using publicly accessible datasets with the aim of modelling comparable scenarios at varying temperatures. The dataset that I eventually used was obtained from the UNFCCC website and comparable data is also available on the OECD's website. Although the information on these two websites are generally considered reliable and transparent, there were some substantial disparities in the data for different countries. I have included a chart that shows the total GHG emissions (not including LULUCF) in kt CO2 equivalent for 44 countries between 1990 and 2021, with forecast through 2030.
This chart may not be very relevant to this discourse, however, the process collecting and validating the data used it preparing it reaffirmed to me the issues associated with emissions data at its most basic level.
Understanding and correctly quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential accurately estimating or forecasting GHG emissions. Businesses, governments, and individuals also rely on this data to assess their environmental impact and make informed decisions. However, the integrity of current GHG emissions data is a complex landscape that requires thorough evaluation.
Some of the challenges include the diversity of sources and methods used to gather this data and complexity of activities across different sectors. energy consumption patterns, and technological advancements. Also, emission factors, which are used for converting data into CO2 equivalents, might differ depending on region, industry, and technology. This variability is a significant barrier to creating a globally standardized estimate for GHG emissions.
Furthermore, the accuracy of emissions data is frequently dependent on companies' willingness and ability to freely share their information. While many organizations are embracing sustainability reporting, some may be hesitant to publish specific data for fear of losing a competitive advantage or facing public scrutiny. Inconsistent reporting techniques and changing levels of commitment to sustainability goals might result in missing or distorted datasets, reducing precision of forecasting models.
In addition, the interconnection of supply chains and economies complicates the issue of data accuracy, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing reporting standards. Closing these gaps is important for creating a thorough understanding of how products and services affect the environment.
This subject an integral part of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which aims to enhance the quality and comparability of sustainability reporting, including greenhouse gas (GHG) data, by companies within the EU. (This will be discussed further in a later publication).
I will love to hear from you, What is your most reliable source for GHG datasets? Is there any that is publicly available?
#Carbonfootprinting #GHGAccounting #CarbonAccounting #Netzero #Sustainability
#SustainablyYours
Understanding and correctly quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential accurately estimating or forecasting GHG emissions. Businesses, governments, and individuals also rely on this data to assess their environmental impact and make informed decisions. However, the integrity of current GHG emissions data is a complex landscape that requires thorough evaluation.
Some of the challenges include the diversity of sources and methods used to gather this data and complexity of activities across different sectors. energy consumption patterns, and technological advancements. Also, emission factors, which are used for converting data into CO2 equivalents, might differ depending on region, industry, and technology. This variability is a significant barrier to creating a globally standardized estimate for GHG emissions.
Furthermore, the accuracy of emissions data is frequently dependent on companies' willingness and ability to freely share their information. While many organizations are embracing sustainability reporting, some may be hesitant to publish specific data for fear of losing a competitive advantage or facing public scrutiny. Inconsistent reporting techniques and changing levels of commitment to sustainability goals might result in missing or distorted datasets, reducing precision of forecasting models.
In addition, the interconnection of supply chains and economies complicates the issue of data accuracy, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing reporting standards. Closing these gaps is important for creating a thorough understanding of how products and services affect the environment.
This subject an integral part of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which aims to enhance the quality and comparability of sustainability reporting, including greenhouse gas (GHG) data, by companies within the EU. (This will be discussed further in a later publication).
I will love to hear from you, What is your most reliable source for GHG datasets? Is there any that is publicly available?
#Carbonfootprinting #GHGAccounting #CarbonAccounting #Netzero #Sustainability
#SustainablyYours
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