Comparative Analysis of Peatland Emission Factors: Unravelling the Need for Standardized Measurement and Reporting
2024
Dita Kažmēre, Maksims Feofilovs, Francesco Romagnoli

Peatlands have a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, acting as significant carbon sinks, but become a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when peatlands are drained, and during peat extraction. This article presents a comprehensive overview of peatland ecosystems, emphasizing their classification across various climatic zones and the complex set of different characteristics that determine contribution to GHG emissions. Currently, inconsistencies exist in the definition of emission factors used between countries leading to varied approaches in estimating peatland emissions and posing significant challenges in the comparison and aggregation of global data on peat extraction related GHG. The aim of the study is to analyse the disparities in emission factors and calculation methodologies employed by different countries. Data from national GHG emission reports are submitted under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. Emissions report data calculations and emission factors can be based on either nationally determined data or data specified in the IPCC guidelines. Consequently, emission factor data for four countries - Latvia, Finland, Sweden and Germany - are collected and processed, which was compared with IPCC guidelines data. The data was compared by equating units of measurement. The results show there is a pronounced difference between the emission factors of each country, however, all of these factors are lower than the maximum values specified in the IPCC guidelines. The study concludes that emission factors are predetermined differently for each country, and it is not possible to determine the differences among assumptions for parameters included in the specification of the emission factors. The results suggest there is a need for development of a more transparent accounting for emissions with regard to the diverse environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing peatland ecosystems. Factors like composition, depth of peat, water table levels, and local land-use practices further compound this variability in emission accounting. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of GHG emission reporting under international frameworks like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.


Atslēgas vārdi
Carbon sink, climate change, emission inventories, peatland emissions, peat and peatland types, tier
DOI
10.2478/rtuect-2024-0034

Kažmēre, D., Feofilovs, M., Romagnoli, F. Comparative Analysis of Peatland Emission Factors: Unravelling the Need for Standardized Measurement and Reporting. Environmental and Climate Technologies, 2024, Vol. 28, No. 1, 437.-452.lpp. ISSN 1691-5208. Pieejams: doi:10.2478/rtuect-2024-0034

Publikācijas valoda
English (en)
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