U S Agriculture And Forestry Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990 2008

In 2008, agricultural greenhouse gas sources accounted for about 6% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Greenhouse Gas Inventory: 1990-2008 was developed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the contribution of U.S. agriculture and forestry to greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration. It provides extensive, in-depth emissions and sinks estimates for livestock, cropland, and forests, as well as energy consumption in livestock and cropland agriculture. Estimates are provided at State, regional, and national scales, categorized by land ownership and management practices where possible. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand edition of an important, hard-to-find publication.

The agriculture (ag) sector is a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which many scientists agree are contributing to observed climate change. Ag. is also a ¿sink¿ for sequestering carbon, which might offset GHG emissions by capturing and storing carbon in ag. soils. The two key types of GHG emissions associated with agricultural activities are methane and nitrous oxide. Contents of this report: (1) Ag. Sinks and Emissions: Source of Nat. Est.; Ag. Emissions; Ag. Carbon Sinks; Potential for Additional Uptake; (2) Mitigation Strategies in the Ag. Sector: Federal Programs; State Programs; (3) Congressional Action: Climate Change Proposals; 2008 Farm Bill Provisions; Related Initiatives Involving U.S. Ag.; Considerations for Congress. Illus.

Presents national inventory data on greenhouse gas emissions by sources & removals by sinks. Naturally occurring greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, & ozone. Several classes of halogenated substances that contain fluorine, chlorine, or bromine are also greenhouse gases but are a product of industrial activities. Ozone precursors & aerosols can also affect the absorptive characteristics of the atmosphere. These estimates will be used to monitor & track the progress of the U.S. in meeting our commitments. Chapters: energy; industrial processes; solvent use; agriculture; land-use change & forestry; & waste. Tables.