Informative inventory report 2019

Dutch emission trends

The report describes Dutch emission trends and levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), ammonia (NH₃), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), over the 1990-2017 period. For almost all these substances, emission levels have decreased (except for NH₃). The downward trend may be attributed, in particular, to cleaner fuels, cleaner car engines and to emission reductions in industrial sectors.

Increase in ammonia and non-methane volatile organic compound emissions in 2017

At 132.4 Gg in 2017, ammonia emissions increased by 3.9 Gg, compared with 2016 levels, and are 4.4 Gg above the maximum set by the European Union and the UNECE under the Gothenburg Protocol (both 128 Gg). Mainly as a result of the addition of new emission sources, emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds increased to 254 Gg in 2017 - 69 Gg above the maximum set by the European Union (185 Gg) and 63 Gg above the UNECE maximum under the Gothenburg Protocol (191 Gg).

The increase in ammonia emissions in 2017, compared with 2016 levels, was mainly due to the increased N excretion per dairy cow caused by a higher manure production (higher milk production and higher average weight) per animal and higher nitrogen content in the feed (i.e. grass). The entire time series for ammonia was adjusted upwards to allow for added emission sources, such as manure treatment and bonfires.
The Informative Inventory Report 2019 was drawn up by the RIVM in collaboration with partner institutes to analyse and report emission data, each year - an obligatory procedure for Member States. The analyses are used to support Dutch policy.