What does a greenhouse gas inventory account for?

A greenhouse gas inventory serves as a comprehensive accounting of all sources of greenhouse gas emissions within a specified boundary, typically over a set period. This includes emissions from various sectors such as transportation, energy production, agriculture, waste management, and industrial activities. The purpose of maintaining an inventory is to accurately assess the total greenhouse gas contributions from multiple activities and processes, which can then inform policy decisions, regulatory measures, and strategies for reducing emissions.

By capturing all sources of emissions, the inventory provides a holistic view that aids in understanding the impact of human activities on climate change. This level of detail is crucial for effective climate action and policy-making, as it identifies key areas where intervention can yield significant reductions in greenhouse gases.

In contrast, the other options are limited in scope. Focusing solely on oxygen produced by plants overlooks the broader context of greenhouse gases. Limiting the scope to only industrial pollution excludes emissions from numerous other critical sources. Lastly, while global emissions from all countries can be a part of a broader framework, the inventory specifically aims to account for emissions within a designated area, emphasizing local or national metrics rather than just global totals. Thus, comprehensive tracking of all emission sources is essential for developing effective strategies to combat climate change.