The Theme
This map shows two themes: regional greenhouse
gases emissions by sectors of the economy for 1998, and the regional
carbon intensity measured in tonnes of CO2-equivalent to per
million dollars of Real Domestic Product (RDP). The regional carbon
intensity is shown by colors for the populated parts of each region. For
example, a high carbon intensity (identified by a dark green color on
the map) means that more carbon content fuels are used to produce goods
and services.
All the GHG statistics are represented on a provincial basis, except for British Columbia and the Territories, for which only regional aggregate statistics are available
(British Columbia makes up about 95% of the population in the British Columbia and Territories region). The provincial statistics for each of the Atlantic Provinces can
be viewed by zooming in on this region.
Interpretation
Carbon intensity is a measure of the amount of GHG
produced by a unit of economic activity. It is measured in tonnes
of carbon dioxide, equivalent to per million dollars of Real Domestic
Product. The share of economic sectors in the total regional GHG emissions depends on the region's economic structure and availability of energy resources. In provinces or regions where hydro resources are abundant,
the share of power generation in total GHG
emissions is negligible (for example, in Quebec, Manitoba and British
Columbia). The share of GHG
emissions from power generation is considerable in provinces where
coal and natural gas are readily available (particularly in Alberta
and Saskatchewan) or where electricity is generated based on fossil
fuels (such as in Ontario).
The emissions associated with the industrial sector, which include the
fossil-fuel production industries, occupy an important share of
total GHG emissions in
almost every province. However, the size of this share depends on
the industrial structure of each region. In regions like Alberta
and Saskatchewan where fossil fuel industries play an important
role, the share of industrial sector in total GHG
emissions is more pronounced.
The sector noted in the legend as "Building" includes emissions from residential, commercial and institutional buildings. Emissions associated with this sector are
mainly due to fuel used for heating purposes. Regionally, the total amounts used depend on the size of population, weather conditions and consumers choices of
fuels. The share of this sector in total emissions is more or less the same from region to region. The share of the transportation sector varies across regions, due
mainly to the importance of other economic sectors in total GHG emissions.
Other sectors in this map include emissions from agricultural activities and from waste sites. Therefore, the share for each region depends on the importance of these
activities in each regional economy.
Data Source
The original data of GHG
emissions are estimates from Environment Canada, using the methodology
for GHG estimation provided
by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The data for this
map were provided by Natural Resources Canada, which grouped the
original data into economic sectors according to Natural Resources
Canada's definition of economic sectors.
The digital data for this map can be downloaded
here.
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