Greenhouse gas emissions

Historical greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂ eq) by region, by sector.

This indicator shows trends in anthropogenic (human-made) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions are measured for 7 greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride, perfluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and nitrogen trifluoride).

GHG emissions indicators are used to track the progress of Canada's efforts to lower emissions and reach environmental performance objectives. They also support decision making on sustainable development.

The emissions data are presented at the national level, at the provincial and territorial level, and by economic sector.

The indicators do not capture emissions from natural processes (for example, material decay, plant and animal respiration, volcanic and thermal venting), or the removal of emissions from the atmosphere by natural sinks (for example, forests, oceans).

For more information on this indicator, please refer to Greenhouse gas emissions from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

For key results on greenhouse gas emissions at the national level, by economic sector, and by province and territory, please refer to Greenhouse gas emissions from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Please also refer to Canada's official greenhouse gas inventory from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

For visuals of greenhouse gas emissions data at the national level, by economic sector, and by province/territory, please refer to Greenhouse gas emissions from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Goal 13, Climate Action (Sustainable Development Goals, January 25, 2024)

Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 13, Climate Action (Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Report, October 20, 2020)

• For key results on greenhouse gas emissions at the national level, by economic sector, and by province and territory, please refer to Greenhouse gas emissions from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
• Working from home: Potential implications for public transit and greenhouse gas emissions (Economic and Social Reports, April 22, 2021)
• Environmentally Adjusted Productivity Growth and the Market Price of Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the Canadian Manufacturing Sector (Economic Insights, May 8, 2019)

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, just as the glass of a greenhouse keeps warm air inside. Human activity increases the amount of GHGs in the atmosphere, contributing to a warming of the Earth's surface. This is called the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Over the past 200 years in particular, humans have released GHGs into the atmosphere primarily from burning fossil fuels. As a result, more heat is being trapped and the temperature of the planet is increasing. Sea levels are rising as the Arctic ice melts, and there are changes to the climate, such as more severe storms and heat waves. All of this impacts the environment, the economy and human health.