Emission database for global atmospheric research (EDGAR): Version 2.0

Abstract To meet the urgent need of atmospheric chemistry and climate modellers a global emissions source database called EDGAR has been developed jointly by TNO and RIVM to estimate for 1990, on a regional and on a grid basis, annual emissions of greenhouse gases (CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, CO, NO x , non-methane VOC, SO x ), of NH 3 , and of ozone depleting compounds (halocarbons). The aim was to establish the global emissions from both anthropogenic and biogenic sources: a complete set of data required to estimate the total source strength of the various gases with an 1 o ×1 o resolution (altitude resolution of 1 km), as agreed upon in the Global Emissions Inventory Activity (GEIA) of the International Atmospheric Chemistry Programme (IGAC). The data comprise demographic data, social and economic factors, land use distributions and emission factors (with due emphasis on the uncertainty). As understanding in this field is still changing, due attention is paid to flexibility regarding the disaggregation of sources, spatial and temporal resolution and species. The objective and methodology chosen for the construction of the database are presented, as well as the type and sources of data and the approach used for data collection. As an example, the construction of the N 2 O inventory is discussed.