klimagassinventarer

Klimagassinventarer is a term used to describe the inventories of greenhouse gases that are compiled and analyzed to quantify emissions and removals in the context of climate accounting. The word combines klima (climate), gas (gas), and inventarer (inventories) to denote the systematic collection of data on atmospheric greenhouse gases.

Purpose and scope

Klimagassinventarer serve as the primary basis for assessing a country’s or organization’s impact on climate, enabling tracking of progress toward emission reduction targets and compliance with international agreements. They typically cover the main greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases—as well as removals from land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF). The inventories are used at national and international levels, including reporting under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and informing climate models and policy decisions.

Methodology

Inventories rely on established guidelines, such as those developed by the IPCC, combining activity data (e.g., energy use, industrial output, agricultural activity) with emission factors to estimate emissions. They may employ different time horizons and weighting schemes (for example, global warming potential) to compare gases. Data quality is pursued through QA/QC procedures, uncertainty assessments, and transparent documentation of methods and assumptions.

Applications and challenges

Klimagassinventarer underpin policy-making, target setting, and progress reporting, as well as research and public communication. Challenges include data gaps in certain sectors, variations in national methodologies, and the complexity of accounting for indirect effects and carbon sinks. Ongoing improvements focus on harmonizing methods, expanding sectoral coverage, and increasing transparency.

See also: greenhouse gas inventory, IPCC, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, LULUCF.