Emisijas

Emisijas (emissions) refer to substances released into the environment as a result of natural processes or human activities. In environmental science, the term is commonly used for gases, liquids, or solids released into air, water, or soil. Emissions can be classified as anthropogenic (caused by humans) or natural. Anthropogenic emissions are the main drivers of air pollution and climate change, while natural emissions occur from volcanic activity, wildfires, decomposition, and other natural processes.

Common types of emissions include greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases, which influence the planet’s climate. Air pollutants include sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). Emissions also occur to water and soil, including nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff and industrial discharges.

Emissions are measured and reported through inventories that quantify releases by source and sector. Units typically reflect mass per time (for example, metric tons per year), and many analyses express results as CO2-equivalents (CO2e) to compare global warming potential. International and national frameworks, such as the IPCC guidelines, the Paris Agreement, and emissions trading systems, guide monitoring, reporting, and reduction efforts.

Reduction strategies focus on abatement and prevention: improving energy efficiency, switching to cleaner fuels, electrification of transport and industry, installing pollution-control technologies, reducing fugitive emissions, and promoting carbon capture and storage (CCS). In agriculture and land use, practices such as optimized fertilizer use and reforestation also lower overall emissions.