Agriculture

Agricultural emissions have not changed much over the past eight years, and are mostly attributed to the application of nitrogen fertilizers to agricultural lands.
Total 2023 carbon emissions: 0.4 MtCO2eq
% of GTHA carbon emissions: 1%
Emissions by Sector:
AllBuildingsTransportationIndustryWasteAgriculture
Total Emissions, 2015-2023

In 2023, agriculture emissions increased by 2.5% to 0.44 MtCO2eq and represent 1% of GTHA emissions. The region's agricultural activity is heavily concentrated in Durham where over 40% of the GTHA's agriculture emissions are generated. It is important to note, however, that Durham's agricultural output benefits the rest of the GTHA.  

The main source of agricultural emissions is methane produced by cattle and nitrous oxide released from the land application of fertilizers. The former can be reduced through effective livestock feeding and management systems while the latter can be mitigated through more targeted fertilizer application and enhanced field management practices. 

Much of the food consumed in the GTHA originates from outside the region. Inventories typically do not account for emissions related to growing, producing, and manufacturing goods outside the inventory boundary. In fact, according to C40 Cities, nearly 85% of total emissions associated with consumed goods and services are generated outside cities, with an often substantial emissions impact.