What do we see?
In the year 2021, the agriculture sector recorded total greenhouse gas emissions of 7,746 kilotonnes CO2 equivalents. This value continues the steady increase since the year 2008 where emissions were at their lowest. The emissions amount to 10.6% of Flemish emissions. Methane (CH4) is the largest contributor to emissions from the agricultural sector with a 49% share, followed by carbon dioxide (CO2, 30%) and nitrous oxide (N2O, 21%). The increases are due to evolutions in livestock and an increase in the number of installed CHP (combined heat and power) units.
What’s the aim?
In a circular economy, we want to keep greenhouse gas emissions to a minimum as they play a significant role in global warming. In order to limit their impact, the Flemish Climate Plan includes the target that by 2030 the agricultural sector must reduce its emissions by 26% compared to 2005.
What does this indicator measure?
This indicator measures greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide from the Flemish agricultural sector expressed in kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent. Land use change (LULUCF) is not included in the figures.
