Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions: Ukrainian involvement in the global ecological challenge

Abstract

Greenhouse gas emission is a global ecological challenge since it affects climate change and complicates providing food security. Each country ought to care about mitigating greenhouse gas emissions including CH4 and N2O originated from agriculture. In this context, first, the performed research focused on Ukrainian ranking among the world greenhouse gas emitters offering a multi-criteria evaluation of total greenhouse gas quantities in CO2 equivalent, per capita and per km2 of countries’ land territories. These indictors were also applied to visual comparing involvement of Ukrainian economy and its agriculture in the international greenhouse gas emissions. Second, to explore agricultural greenhouse gas emission at the domestic level, we studied regional contributions by basic source categories such as enteric fermentation, manure management, and synthetic fertilizers. The proposed horizontal and vertical analyses allow clarifying regional management priorities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Third, for this purpose, the conducted investigation specified the EU Member States which match the Ukrainian condition by shares of greenhouse gas emissions and outputs in animal and crop sectors. The found patterns will be the most reliable vectors of adopting effective agricultural practices beneficial for the environment protection and mitigating influence over climate change.