Description:
According to reports from the region’s countries, contained in national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions relate to changes in land use, forestry, agriculture and energy consumption. Brazil stands out as the highest emitter of greenhouse gasses caused by land use changes, accounting for more than 800,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. The importance of agriculture in the region can also be seen in emission figures, with Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Jamaica and Colombia accounting for a significant share of total emissions for the sector. In terms of emissions resulting from energy consumption in the region, Mexico and Brazil account for the greatest share, with a combined total of more than 500,000 tons of CO2 equivalent. This structural composition is vital in considering the various possible regional mitigation measures that could be adopted.