National Greenhouse Gas Inventories: A Foundation for Low Emission Development

A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory can be a valuable tool for developing policies and programs that address climate change and economic development. GHG inventories estimate emissions to and removals from the atmosphere over time. This information can help a country:

• Understand national GHG emissions, removals, and trends
• Identify cost-effective policies and programs to reduce emissions
• Measure success in reducing emissions and enhancing removals
• Provide input into economic assessments
• Enhance management of natural resources such as forest stocks and food production
• Fulfill United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reporting requirements for Biennial Update Reportsand National Communications