next
previous
items
European Union flag
Home
Topics
Analysis and data
Countries
Newsroom
About us

Policy Document

Greenhouse gas monitoring mechanism Decision

Policy Document
1 min read
Decision No 280/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 concerning a mechanism for monitoring Community greenhouse gas emissions and for implementing the Kyoto Protocol

Related content

Related indicators

Indicator Specification
Archived
Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations This indicator shows the observed trends in greenhouse gas concentrations. Greenhouse gases differ in the way they affect the climate system. In order to sum the effects of the individual greenhouse gases and other forcing agents in the atmosphere, the so-called 'greenhouse gas equivalent concentration' has been defined. This is the concentration of CO 2 that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as a mixture of CO 2 and other forcing agents (greenhouse gases and aerosols). The forcing is expressed here in CO 2- equivalent concentrations, rather than watts per square meter (W/m 2 ), because they are more easily understood by the general public. For a more detailed assessment of radiative forcing expressed in W/m 2 , the reader should refer to IPCC (2013). Global average annual concentrations are presented here. Although greenhouse gases are mainly emitted in the northern hemisphere, the use of global average values is considered justified because the atmospheric lifetime of most greenhouse gases is long compared with the timescales of global atmospheric mixing. This leads to a rather uniform mixture around the globe. The exceptions are ozone and aerosols. However, as described earlier, these gases are less relevant in the long term.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations This indicator shows the observed trends in greenhouse gas concentrations. Greenhouse gases differ in the way they affect the climate system. In order to sum the effects of the individual greenhouse gasses and other forcing agents in the atmosphere, the so-called 'greenhouse gas equivalent concentration' has been defined. This is the concentration of CO 2 that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as a mixture of CO 2 and other forcing agents (greenhouse gases and aerosols). The forcing is expressed here in CO 2- equivalent concentrations, rather than watts per square meter (W/m 2 ), because they are more easily understood by the general public. For a more detailed assessment of radiative forcing expressed in W/m 2 , the reader is referred to IPCC (2013). Global average annual concentrations are presented here. Although greenhouse gases are mainly emitted in the northern hemisphere, the use of global average values is considered justified, because the atmospheric lifetime of most greenhouse gases is long compared with the timescales of global atmospheric mixing. This leads to a rather uniform mixture around the globe. The exceptions are ozone and aerosols. However, as described earlier, these gases are less relevant in the long term.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Total greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe The present indicator (CSI010) presents total and sectoral trends of anthropogenic GHG emissions in Europe from 1990 onwards and assesses the progress of the EU, individual Member States and other EEA countries towards their international and internal EU GHG targets. The indicator provides information on emissions from the main anthropogenic GHG sources, distributed by the main emitting sectors and based on IPCC nomenclature. In addition, the indicator shows past and projected GHG emissions in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and non-ETS/Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) sectors, in accordance with the EU legal scheme. As a general rule, emissions from international aviation are included in the totals presented in the indicator, consistent with the EU legal scheme ('Domestic scope'). These emissions are not covered by the Kyoto Protocol (KP), in accordance with the UNFCCC guidelines, and therefore they are excluded from the totals under the EU's international reporting of GHG inventories ('International scope'). Unless otherwise mentioned, the indicator does not cover emissions from international shipping. Net land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) emissions and/or removals, and CO 2 emissions from the combustion of biomass (including biofuels in transport) are not included in national GHG emission totals, according to UNFCCC Reporting Guidelines. The indicator covers all 28 Member States of the European Union. The Member States' geographical coverage of the indicator is consistent with the EU coverage under the Kyoto Protocol. When available, information concerning other EEA member countries is also included. Especially when referring to the second commitment period of the KP, the European aggregates are presented for the 28 Member States and Iceland, since the European Union, its Member States and Iceland have agreed to fulfill their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments jointly. The indicator covers annual emissions since 1990.
Indicator Specification Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations This indicator shows the observed trends in greenhouse gas concentrations. Greenhouse gases differ in the way they affect the climate system. In order to sum the effects of the individual greenhouse gasses and other forcing agents in the atmosphere, the so-called ‘greenhouse gas equivalent concentration’ has been defined. This is the concentration of CO 2 that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as a mixture of CO 2 and other forcing agents (greenhouse gases and aerosols). The forcing is expressed here in CO 2- equivalent concentrations, rather than watts per square meter (W/m 2 ), because they are more easily understood by the general public. For a more detailed assessment of radiative forcing expressed in W/m 2 , the reader is referred to IPCC (2013). Global average annual concentrations are presented here. Although greenhouse gases are mainly emitted in the northern hemisphere, the use of global average values is considered justified, because the atmospheric lifetime of most greenhouse gases is long compared to the timescales of global atmospheric mixing. This leads to a rather uniform mixture around the globe. The exceptions are ozone and aerosols. However, as described earlier, these gases are less relevant, over the long term.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations This indicator shows the observed trends in greenhouse gas concentrations. The various greenhouse gases have been grouped in three different ways: (1) the six Kyoto Protocol GHGs (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, HFCs, PFCs & SF 6 ) (2) long-living GHGs (Kyoto Protocol gases plus the Montreal Protocol gases CFCs, HCFCs & CH 3 CCl 3 ) (3) long-living GHGs and ozone, water vapour and aerosols Greenhouse gasses are grouped in two ways. I n addition to the concentration of individual GHGs, they are grouped using the CO 2 -equivalent concentration as a way to add the different gasses. The CO 2 -equivalent concentration of a gas is the CO 2 concentration that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as the mixture of all GHGs. Global annual averages are considered, because in general the gases mix quite well in the atmosphere. 
Indicator Specification
Archived
Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends and projections The present indicator (CSI010) presents total and sectoral trends of anthropogenic GHG emissions in Europe from 1990 onwards and assesses the progress of the EU, individual Member States and other EEA countries towards their GHG targets. The indicator provides information on emissions from the main anthropogenic GHG sources, distributed by main emitting sectors, according to the IPCC nomenclature. In addition, the indicator shows the past and projected GHG emissions in the ETS and non ETS sector, in accordance with the EU legal scheme. Unless otherwise mentioned, the indicator does not cover emissions from international bunkers (international aviation and maritime transport), which are not covered by the Kyoto Protocol. In particular, these emissions are not taken into account in the total GHG emissions reported at national and EU levels. Emissions from land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) are not included in total national greenhouse gas emissions. Geographical area The indicator covers all 28 Member States of the European Union. Some figures also include information concerning other EEA Member States. Period covered The indicator covers annual emissions since 1990.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations The indicator shows the observed trends of greenhouse gas concentrations. The various greenhouse gases have been grouped in three different ways: (1) the six Kyoto Protocol GHGs (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, HFCs, PFCs & SF 6 ) (2) long-living GHGs (Kyoto Protocol gases plus the Montreal Protocol gases CFCs, HCFCs & CH 3 CCl 3 ) (3) long-living GHGs and ozone, water vapour and aerosols Next to the concentration of individual GHGs, greenhouse gasses are grouped in two ways, using the CO 2 -equivalent concentration as a way to add the different gasses. The CO 2 -equivalent concentration of a gas is the CO 2 concentration that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as the mixture of all GHGs. Global annual averages are considered, because in general the gases mix quite well in the atmosphere. 
Indicator Specification
Archived
Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations The indicator shows the observed trends of greenhouse gas concentrations. The various greenhouse gases have been grouped in three different ways (see 'Justification for Indicator Selection’ section above). Next to the concentration of individual GHGs, greenhouse gasses are grouped in two ways, using the CO 2 -equivalent concentration as a way to add the different gasses. The CO 2 -equivalent concentration of a gas is the CO 2 concentration that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as the mixture of all GHGs. Global annual averages are considered, because in general the gases mix quite well in the atmosphere. 
Indicator Specification
Archived
Energy and non-energy related greenhouse gas emissions Annual emissions of CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, HFC, PFC and SF 6 in UNFCCC reporting format (In Mt = million tonnes) converted to their global warming potential (100 year time horizon) for addition and comparison with the Kyoto Protocol targets (1 t CH 4 = 21 t CO 2 -equivalent, 1 t N 2 O = 310 t CO2-equivalent, 1 t SF 6 = 23 900 t CO 2 -equivalent. HFCs and PFCs have a wide range of GWPs depending on the gas and emissions are already reported in t CO 2 -equivalent). For CO 2 only, the (national) totals do not include emissions from biomass burning or emissions or removals from land-use change and forestry (LUCF). The energy sector is responsible for energy-related emissions, such as those arising from fuel combustion activities and fugitive emissions from fuels. Fuel combustion activities include: energy industries, manufacturing industries and construction, transport, other sectors and other stationary or mobile emissions from fuel combustion. Fugitive emissions from fuels include: solid fuels and oil and natural gas. ’Energy production’ includes ‘Energy industries’ (i.e. public electricity and heat production, petroleum refining and the manufacture of solid fuels) and ‘Fugitive emissions’  (i.e. emissions from production, processing, transmission, storage and use of fuels, in particular coal-mining and gas production). ’Transport’ includes road transportation, national civil aviation, railways and navigation, and other non-road transportation. In accordance with UNFCCC and UNECE guidelines, emissions from international aviation and navigation are not included. ’Industry’ includes fossil fuel combustion (for heat and electricity) in manufacturing industries and construction (such as iron and steel, and non-ferrous metals). ‘Households’ includes fossil fuel combustion in households. ’Services sector’ includes fossil fuel combustion (for heat and electricity) from small commercial businesses, public institutions, agricultural businesses and military. Non-energy related emissions include ‘Industry’ (i.e. processes in manufacturing industries and construction without fossil fuel combustion including production and consumption of fluorinated gases), ‘Agriculture’ (i.e. domestic livestock (dairy and non-dairy cattle) keeping, in particular manure management and enteric fermentation and emissions from soils) ‘Waste’ (i.e. waste management facilities, in particular landfill sites and incineration plants and ‘Other non-energy’ (i.e. solvent and other product use).
Indicator Specification
Archived
Emissions of ozone precursors This indicator tracks trends since 1990 in anthropogenic emissions of ozone precursor pollutants: nitrogen oxides (NO X ), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH 4 ) and non methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). The indicator also provides information on emissions by sectors: Energy production and distribution; Energy use in industry;, Industrial processes; Road transport; Non-road transport; Commercial, institutional and households; Solvent and product use; Agriculture; Waste; Other. Geographical coverage: EEA-32. The EEA-32 country grouping includes countries of the EU-27 (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) EFTA-4 (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway) and Turkey. Temporal coverage: 1990-2010.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Global and European temperature - EEA Definition: The indicator shows trend in in annual average global surface temperature. The global average temperature change in the charts have been compared to be pre-industrial times. Model used: IMAGE Ownership: Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP) Temporal coverage: 2000 - 2100 Geographical coverage: global
Indicator Specification
Archived
CC_F03: GHG emissions - outlook from IIASA Definition: This indicator illustrates the projected trends in national emissions of all greenhouse gases emissions for a selected scenario (combination of energy pathway and emissions control strategy), including current policy legislation and optimized scenarios. Greenhouse Gasses include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perflourocarbons (PFCs), hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The indicator also provides information on emissions from the main greenhouse gas emitting sectors: energy supply and use (including energy industry, fugitive emissions, energy use by industry and by other sectors); transport; industry (processes); agriculture; waste and other (non-energy). Model used: GAINS/RAINS, EMEP Ownership: International Institute for Applied Systems Temporal coverage: 1990 - 2030 Geographical coverage:  EU-27: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Czech republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia; By country: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Check Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany. Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal. Republic of Moldova, Romania. Russian Federation, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Swetzerland, TFYR of Mathedonia, Turkey, Ukriane, United Kingdom
Indicator Specification
Archived
GHG Concentrations - outlook from MNP Definition: The indicator shows the measured trends and projections of greenhouse gas concentrations. The various greenhouse gases have been grouped in three different ways. In all cases the effect of greenhouse gas concentrations on the enhanced greenhouse effect is presented as CO2-equivalent concentration. Global annual averages are considered. Model used: IMAGE Ownership: European Environment Agency Temporal coverage: 2000 - 2100 Geographical coverage:  global
Indicator Specification
Archived
GHG emissions - outlook from IEA Definition: This indicator illustrates the projected trends in energy related greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions (total) refer to the sum of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perflourocarbons (PFCs), hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), weighted using their 100-year global warming potentials. Model used: World Energy Model (WEM) Ownership: International Energy Agency Temporal coverage: 1990 - 2030 Geographical coverage: Transition countries, excluding the Russian Federation (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Serbia and Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Cyprus, Malta); the Russian Federation; OECD Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom); USA; India; China.
Indicator Specification
Archived
GHG emissions - outlook from MNP Definition: This indicator illustrates the projected trends in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in relation to the EU and Member State targets, using existing policies and measures and/or additional policies and/or use of Kyoto mechanisms. The greenhouse gases are those covered by the Kyoto Protocol (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, SF 6 , HFCs and PFCs), weighed by their respective global warming potential, aggregated and presented in CO 2 -equivalent units. The indicator also provides information on emissions from the main greenhouse gas emitting sectors: energy supply and use (including energy industry, fugitive emissions, energy use by industry and by other sectors); transport; industry (processes); agriculture; waste and other (non-energy). Model used: IMAGE Ownership: Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP) Temporal coverage: 1990 - 2100  Geographical coverage: OECD Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen; Eastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Yugoslavia; Former USSR: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan; South Asia: Afganistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, British Indian Ocean Territory, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka; East Asia: China, Hong Kong, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Macau, Mongolia, Taiwan; Canada, USA
Indicator Specification
Archived
GHG emissions - outlook from WBCSD Definition: This indicator illustrates the projected trends in transport related greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions (total) refer to the sum of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perflourocarbons (PFCs), hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), weighted using their 100-year global warming potentials. Model used: IEA/SMP Ownership:  World Business Council for Sustainable Development  Temporal coverage: 1990 - 2050 Geographical coverage: OECD Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom; OECD North America: USA, Canada, Mexico; Former Soviet Union: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan Eastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro; India; China
Indicator Specification
Archived
Projections of GHG emissions - outlooks from National Communications under UNFCCC Definition: This indicator illustrates the projected trends in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in relation to the Kyoto Targets. Greenhouse gas emissions (total) refer to the sum of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), perflourocarbons (PFCs), hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), weighted using their 100-year global warming potentials. National totals exclude emissions from natural resources and international bunker fuel emissions. The indicator also provides information on emissions from the main greenhouse gas emitting sectors: energy supply and use (including energy industry, fugitive emissions, energy use by industry and by other sectors); transport; industry (processes); agriculture; waste and other (non-energy). Model used: N/A Ownership: European Environment Agency Temporal coverage: 1990 - 2020 (SEE: no data for AL, BA and CS; EECCA: no data for TJ all years, no data for MO for 2000, no data for AM, GE, TM, UZ, UA for 2020, for which 2010 figures are used for AM, GE, TM, UZ and 2015 for UA.). Geographical coverage: EU 15 : Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom; EU 10 : Cyprus, Czech republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia; SEE: Bulgaria, Croatia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Turkey; EECCA: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Canada, US
Indicator Specification
Archived
Greenhouse gas emissions from transport in Europe Total greenhouse gas emissions from transport, including carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O), are analysed in this indicator. Emissions are split into road transport, railways, domestic navigation, domestic aviation, international aviation and maritime transport.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Land take Increase in the amount of agriculture, forest and other semi-natural and natural land taken by urban and other artificial land development. It includes areas sealed by construction and urban infrastructure as well as urban green areas and sport and leisure facilities. The main drivers of land take are grouped in processes resulting in the extension of: housing, services and recreation, industrial and commercial sites, transport networks & infrastructures mines, quarries and waste dumpsites.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations The indicator shows the observed trends of greenhouse gas concentrations. The various greenhouse gases have been grouped in three different ways (see rationale). Except for the concentration of individual GHGs, the effect on the enhanced greenhouse effect is presented as CO 2 -equivalent concentrations, which is the CO 2 concentration that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as the mixture of all GHGs. Global annual averages are considered, because in general the gases mix quite well in the atmosphere.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Progress to greenhouse gas emission targets This indicator illustrates the projected trends in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in relation to the EU and Member State targets, using existing policies and measures and/or additional policies and/or use of Kyoto mechanisms. The greenhouse gases are those covered by the Kyoto Protocol (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, SF 6 , HFCs and PFCs), weighed by their respective global warming potential, aggregated and presented in CO 2 -equivalent units.
Indicator Specification
Archived
Aquaculture production The indicator quantifies the development of European aquaculture production by major sea area and country as well as the contribution of aquaculture discharges of nutrients relative to the total discharges of nutrients into coastal zones.

Permalinks

Geographic coverage

For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/policy-documents/greenhouse-gas-monitoring-mechanism or scan the QR code.

PDF generated on 20 Jun 2025, 01:03 AM

EEA Page URL QR

Topics

Document Actions
The EEA is an agency of the European Union

Engineered by: EEA Web Team

Software updated on 26 September 2023 08:13 from version 23.8.18

Software version: EEA Plone KGS 23.9.14

Code for developers

Systems Status

Legal notice

Creative commons license

CMS login