Smart Net-Zero

May 19, 2023 | Phys.org ​​​​​​|

A review conducted by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture highlights the limitations in accuracy and transparency of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories, particularly in the agriculture and land use sector. Inconsistent and inadequate reporting by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), uncertainties in reported data, and a lack of robust activity data and locally specific emission factors hinder effective policy action. The study examines UNFCCC country-reported agricultural GHG data and three independent global databases to identify reporting issues affecting national inventories. The findings emphasize the need for more uniform reporting methodologies in LMICs to manage food security, climate change adaptation, and mitigation. The authors recommend using independent emissions databases alongside UNFCCC data to improve data quality and tracking progress. Developed nations are urged to provide increased technical and financial support to LMICs to strengthen institutional capacity for accurate and transparent GHG inventories.