Agriculture

Agriculture emissions increased for the second consecutive year, and are mostly attributed to the application of nitrogen fertilizers to agricultural lands.
Total 2024 carbon emissions: 0.5 MtCO2eq
% of GTHA carbon emissions: 1%
Emissions by Sector:
AllBuildingsTransportationIndustryWasteAgriculture

In 2024, agriculture emissions increased by 3.3% to 0.46 megatonnes 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.

Agriculture Emissions, 2015-2024

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. 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. However, inventories typically do not account for emissions related to growing, producing, and manufacturing goods outside their city boundaries. In most cases, the emissions data is difficult to track accurately as it involves many different supply chains and geographic regions.