DEFINITIONS
GREENHOUSE GASES Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ): the most significant GHG emitted in the UK. CO 2 contributes to climate change due to its positive radiative forcing effect. Fuel combustion contributed to 96% of CO 2 emissions in 2018. Methane (CH 4 ): the second most significant GHG emitted in the UK. CH 4 contributes to climate change due to its positive radiative forcing effect. Major sources include enteric fermentation, landfilling of wastes, and leakage from the gas distribution system. (DEFRA 2020b; 2020a) AIR POLLUTANTS Benzene (C 6 H 6 ): A type of NMVOC. C 6 H 6 emissions are of concern due to their effects on human health, specifically they cause difficulty thinking, changes to heart function, decrease blood cell formation, and are carcinogens. Petrol vapour and transport emissions are major sources of C 6 H 6 emissions. Carbon Monoxide (CO): arises from incomplete fuel combustion. CO emissions are of concern due to their effects on human health, specifically leading to decreased uptake of oxygen by lungs, and its role in tropospheric ozone formation. Residential sector combustion, road transport, and industry are major sources of CO. Nitrogen Oxide (NO x ): of concern due to their effects on human health, specifically causing lung irritation and lowering resistance of pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. In the presence of sunlight, NO x reacts to produce photochemical smog, and if hydrocarbons are present, can react to produce ozone. Almost 97% of all NO x is emitted during fuel combustion, making transport, energy production, and industry the primary sources of NO x .
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Fuels Statistics 2023
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