Economic analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in the Spanish economy

The volume of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) to the atmosphere generated by Spain's economic activity is calculated by applying an Input–Output model. The research takes the Social Accounting Matrices for Spain over the years 2002–2007 (SAMESP) as a starting point, from which emission vectors are obtained for each of these years. The results show that the main sectors by volume of emissions are “Electric power and heating”, “Transport”, and “Agriculture, Stockbreeding, Forestry and Fishing”. The values of the emissions calculated with the vectors obtained from SAMESP are very similar to those of the emissions finally registered. Emission vector values diminished in most sectors during the period considered, particularly with respect to the “Electric power and heating” sector in the case of carbon dioxide production. The “Agriculture, Stockbreeding, Forestry and Fishing” sector was an exception to the fact because a trend for decreased emission was not recorded for any of the gases. From the calculated vectors, we estimate that the 20% reduction of GHG emissions required of countries in the EU-27 by 2020 will be accomplished by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, even though emissions of methane and nitrous oxide are likely to increase.