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Assessing urban emissions through different methodologies: an analysis of Brazilian cities

Author

Listed:
  • Eduardo Baltar Souza Leão

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS))

  • Angela Márcia Andrade Silva

    (Federal University of Bahia (UFBA))

  • Angélica Fabíola Rodrigues Prado

    (Federal University of Bahia (UFBA))

  • Luís Felipe Nascimento

    (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS))

  • José Célio Silveira Andrade

    (Federal University of Bahia (UFBA))

Abstract

This paper compares the different methodologies used to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in forty-seven Brazilian cities. The paper highlights the characteristics, similarities, and differences between these methodologies to show how they can impact GHG results. In line with previous literature, it demonstrates how different carbon accounting approaches produce different GHG results. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the lack of transparency in GHG reports hinders accurate assessments of results and the ability to make comparisons between cities. When analyzing the GHG inventory of a given city or comparing GHG results among cities, in order to understand variations, it is essential to identify the methodology, base year, emission sources, global warming potential, and calculation methods used to derive results. This paper contributes to the literature discussing the consistency and comparability of GHG emissions data at the city level. It also uses the reality of Brazilian cities, thus addressing a literature gap in climate governance studies, which tend to focus on cities from Global North. This study provides insights to academics and policymakers on how to develop broader, more complete, and more transparent GHG inventories, and evidence precautions that should be taken when analyzing a city’s GHG report.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduardo Baltar Souza Leão & Angela Márcia Andrade Silva & Angélica Fabíola Rodrigues Prado & Luís Felipe Nascimento & José Célio Silveira Andrade, 2022. "Assessing urban emissions through different methodologies: an analysis of Brazilian cities," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 1-21, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:masfgc:v:27:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s11027-022-09994-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11027-022-09994-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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