Measuring greenhouse gas emissions for the transportation sector in Korea

This paper presents a methodology of measuring greenhouse gas emissions (mainly CO₂) for the transportation sector and illustratively applies it in Korea. The transportation sector is one of the most critical sectors concerning environmental pollution and represents about 20 percent of the yearly total greenhouse gas emissions for the energy sector in Korea. In spite of the increasing importance of the transportation sector in the eco-environment, current methodologies to analyze greenhouse gas emissions use a Tier 1 method, which is the simplest type among the methodologies recommended by IPCC guidelines. For a new methodology, we consider characteristics of transportation modes and operational environments in Korea. The proposed methodology can analyze the amount of greenhouse gas emissions for each transport mode and integrate it through transportation environments. It also provides a decision-making tool for governments to make transportation polices. As a result, the Korean government can manage the transportation sector in an eco-friendly manner and improve the national eco-environment.