GHGs Descriptions & Sources in California
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Greenhouse Gases
Health and Safety Code 38505 identifies seven greenhouse gases that CARB is responsible to monitor and regulate in order to reduce emissions: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). The fluorinated gases are also referred to as "high global warming potential gases" in the 2008 Scoping Plan.
A list of all GHGs included in the inventory along with GWPs and lifetimes can be found at GWP.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
CO2 is an important compound for plant and animal life, as part of the carbon cycle, and as a greenhouse gas (GHG). CO2 is the primary GHG emitted in California.
Sources of CO2 in California
Transportation is the single largest source of CO2 in California; which is primarily comprised of on-road travel. Electricity production, industrial and residential sources also make important contributions to CO2 emissions in California.
Methane (CH4)
CH4 has a global warming potential of 25, indicating one gram of CH4 is equivalent to 25 grams of CO2 over a 100-year timeframe. CH4 is the second highest emitting GHG in California.
Sources of CH4 in California
Agriculture accounts for the majority of emissions, primarily from livestock enteric fermentation and manure management. Industrial sources and landfills are also important sources of CH4. Other sources contribute only a small fraction to CH4 emissions, and include residential, transportation, electricity generation, and commercial sources.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
N2O has a global warming potential of 298, indicating emission of one gram of N2O is equivalent to 298 grams of CO2.
Sources of N2O in California
Agriculture accounts for the majority of N2O emissions, primarily from fertilizer and manure added to soil. Commercial and residential use of nitrogen fertilizer on turf and transportation are also important sources of N2O. Industrial sources of N2O include solid waste and wastewater treatment, manufacturing, refining and other sources.
High Global Warming Potential Gases (High-GWP)
High global warming potential (High-GWP) greenhouse gases are fluorine-containing gases including sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). High-GWP gases account for 5.6% of California's 2021 GHG emissions. It is important to track these compounds due to their long lifetimes, and high global warming potentials.
Sources of High-GWP Gases
PFCs and HFCs are used as substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which destroy stratospheric ozone. SF6 is used in electricity transmission and distribution and in semiconductor manufacturing. Semiconductor manufacturing also emits a small amount of NF3 which was added to the inventory as required by California Senate Bill 104 passed in 2009, because it is a potent GHG.