Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Disclosure: Key Elements of a Prospective U.S. Program
Covered Gases
Global warming is caused by a number of gases, each with its own potential to trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere. A GHG reporting program should include the following six greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO
2), methane (CH
4), nitrous oxide (N
2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF
6),
5 and possibly other greenhouse gases, should they prove significant. Generally accepted reporting standards, guidance, and calculation tools have already been developed for most GHGs and GHG sources and are in use.
6
For matters such as carbon sequestration and the release of certain gases, however, calculation tools still need to be developed, and reporting would have to be phased in by the implementing agency. Reporting ultimately on all six gases, rather than just CO
2, would be important in developing a comprehensive climate change strategy. In addition, some entities emit significant amounts of non-CO
2 greenhouse gases and may find opportunities to reduce these emissions as well as CO
2. A reporting program should track all six gases to credit such entities under any future program to limit GHG emissions.
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