Carbon Monoxide Emissions

In 2010, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions decreased to 8717 kilotonnes (kt), an 87 kt (1%) decrease from 2009 emissions. The level of CO emissions in 2010 was 5756 kt (40%) lower than in 1990.

The decline in CO emissions is attributable to a reduction in emissions from transportation, given the progressive introduction of cleaner and more efficient technology in vehicles.

Carbon monoxide emissions, Canada, 1990 to 2010

Note: Emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Sources of carbon monoxide emissions

Transportation (road, rail, air and marine) and off-road vehicles were the two most important sources of carbon monoxide (CO), representing 75% (6515 kt) of the national emissions (national emissions = 8717 kt).

Carbon monoxide emissions by source, Canada, 2010

Note: Emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Carbon monoxide emissions by province and territory

In 2010, Ontario emitted the highest proportion of Canada’s carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, representing 27% (2329 kt) of the national total (8717 kt). Quebec contributed 24% (2128 kt) to national emissions, and Alberta contributed 18% (1530 kt). Transportation was the most important source of CO emissions for these three provinces.

Carbon monoxide emissions by province and territory, Canada, 2010

Note: Emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., prescribed burning) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Carbon monoxide emissions from industrial facilities

Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) provides detailed information on air pollutant emissions from industrial facilities. The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program provides access to this information through an online interactive map.

With the CESI interactive map, you can drill down to local areas and obtain CO emissions details specific to reporting industrial facilities.

Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Facility Reported Data.

Related indicators

• National Air Pollutant Emissions