Emission Reporting for Agriculture: Frameworks and Metrics Matter

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Abstract
Frameworks and metrics that reliably describe agricultural emission sources and carbon sinks are critical to the formulation of cost‐effective mitigation investment. This study identifies and compares three distinct emission reporting frameworks across metrics of total emissions and emissions intensity. The frameworks and metrics are applied to agricultural industries in Western Australia. Findings for 2005 and 2023 and the trends and uncertainties over the intervening period are reported. This study novelly considers a framework that includes emissions and sequestration from land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities at an industry scale. Most of Western Australia's agricultural emissions occur in the beef, sheep and grains industries, which also dominate agricultural land use. The emissions intensity of the grains industry in particular is highly sensitive to the inclusion of LULUCF activities. While large uncertainties surround emissions and sequestration from LULUCF activities, there are indications that the effect of LULUCF on emissions has changed considerably over time. We conclude it is preferable not to rely solely on one framework or one reporting metric. We highlight that more research is needed to lessen uncertainties surrounding LULUCF activities by agricultural industries.

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