Page last updated : 15/06/2009

Carbon dioxide - CO₂

Source : CITEPA / CORALIE SECTEN format - last updated 18 February 2009

Survey period : since 1960

Comments

In 2007, CO₂ emissions represented 388 Mt (LULUCF* and biomass excluded). Including LULUCF*, CO₂ emissions attained, 309 Mt (LULUCF* corresponded to -79 Mt). LULUCF* are limited in the Kyoto protocol.

All sectors contribute to the emissions in variable proportions according to the years. In 2007, the sectors were as followed by importance order for mainland France (LULUCF* excluded) :

In 1990, the distribution was different than that in 2007 :

Since 1960, emissions increase (+93 Mt, an increase of 32% during the period 1960-2007). Compared to 1990, the level of emissions is lower of 3 Mt, approximately -0.8% only whereas primary energy consumption has increased of 20%.

In 1991, 1998 and 2005, emissions were much higher than in the other years because of particular events.

The use of fossil fuels and biomass are the main sources of CO₂ emissions (95% of total emissions, LULUCF* excluded) which are partly reduced by sinks due to photosynthesis and the possible fixation of carbon in soils (included in LULUCF* sector) in the absence of other withholdings as the geological sequestration of CO₂ which could be considered in the future.

As emissions can be sensitive to weather variations, the fluctuation observed can be partly explained for that reason.

Possible measures to limit CO₂ emissions are presented in the Climate Plan 2004-2012 updated in 2006.

* LULUCF : Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry