ARCHIVE: Observatory monitoring framework – indicator data sheet

Environmental impact: Climate change

Indicator DD1: Methane emissions

This indicator shows agriculture's contribution to total UK methane emissions.


In 2009, methane emissions, excluding those from natural sources, were 61 per cent below 1990 levels. In 2009, the main sources of methane were agriculture (41 per cent of the total) and landfill sites (37 per cent).

The major agricultural sources of methane are enteric fermentation (digestive processes) and manure management.

  • Since 1990 emissions of all three greenhouse gases from agriculture, have shown a steady decline. By 2009, methane emissions from agriculture had fallen by 19 per cent.

  • Between 2008 and 2009 there was a 2 per cent reduction in the level of methane emissions from agriculture.

This indicator was updated in February 2011. It will be next be updated in February 2012.

Further information and contact

Background information can be found in the accompanying fact sheet.

For information on this indicator contact Defra's Observatory team on +44 (0) 1904 455229, email: observatory@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Fact Sheet | Printable Version (PDF) | Background Data (Excel)

Page last modified: 10 February, 2011
Page published: June, 2007

You may also be
interested in...