Story: Atmosphere

Components of greenhouse gas emissions (1st of 2)

Components of greenhouse gas emissions

In most countries, carbon dioxide forms the largest proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. New Zealand is unique in that 37% of its emissions come from methane released from livestock. In the early 2000s there were 10 million cattle and 45 million sheep in New Zealand – which translates to a lot of methane. A major part of New Zealand’s effort to reduce emissions is focused on methane released by livestock.

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Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

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How to cite this page:

Bill Allan, Katja Riedel, Richard McKenzie, Sylvia Nichol and Tom Clarkson, 'Atmosphere - Greenhouse gas measurements in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/graph/6149/components-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Bill Allan, Katja Riedel, Richard McKenzie, Sylvia Nichol and Tom Clarkson, published 12 Jun 2006