| dc.description.abstract | This paper provides the trends of greenhouse gas (GHG) and local air pollutant emissions of India for 1985–2005. The
GHGs covered are six Kyoto gases, namely carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The local air pollutants are sulfur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO) and total suspended particulates (TSP). These estimates incorporate some
of the most recent scientific assessments for India.
The multigas emissions have varied sectoral and fuel-based dominance, as well as regional distribution patterns. Coal
consumption in power sector dominates CO2 and SO2 emissions, while power and road transport equally contribute to
NOX emissions. Rice cultivation and livestock-related emissions from the agriculture sector dominate CH4 emissions, while
synthetic fertilizer use in the same sector is the major source of N2O emissions. PFC emissions are dominated by C2F6 and
CF4 emissions from aluminum production. The majority of HFC emissions are contributed by HFC-23, a by-product
during the production of HCFC-22 that is widely used in refrigeration industry. CO emissions have dominance from
biomass burning. Particulate emissions are dominated by biomass burning (residential sector), road transport and coal
combustion in large plants. These varied emission patterns provide interesting policy links and disjoints, such as—which
and where mitigation flexibility for the Kyoto gases, exploring co-benefits of CO2 and SO2 mitigation, and technology and
development pathway dependence of emissions. The present inventory assessment is a pointer to the future emission
pathways for India wherein local air pollutant and GHG emissions, although connected, may not move in synchronization
and therefore would require alignment through well crafted development and environment strategies. | |
