Canada revises upward CO2 emission data since 1990

Canada revised its greenhouse gas emission data from 1990 to 2013 in a report Friday, showing it had higher carbon dioxide discharges each year, and a doubling of emissions from its oil sands.

All previous years were revised upward by around 12 to 24 megatons, which left total emissions up by 18 percent since 1990, according to the national report made under new reporting guidelines of a UN climate change agreement.

Canadian emissions rose to 726 megatons in 2013, up from 715 megatons in 2012, which was revised upward from 699 megatons.

Emissions from oil and gas production—driven by vast growth in oil sands extraction—more than doubled from 1990 to 2013, according to the new data. Production of crude oil and natural gas over the period jumped 79 percent, largely for export.

Canada set a target for reducing emissions by 17 percent below their 2005 levels by 2020. But the government has said it would miss the mark.

The report notes that Canada is one of the highest per-capita emitters of carbon dioxide, due to "its size, climate (i.e. climate-driven energy demands) and resource-based economy."

But it adds that the country represents less than two percent of global emissions.

© 2015 AFP