Energy and greenhouse gas emissions review for Macao

Although Macao is one of the individual members of the Kyoto Protocol, a holistic picture to draw its energy consumption and GHG emissions has been lacking. A comprehensive review of energy consumption as well as GHG emissions is presented in this study for Macao since the handover of sovereignty to China. The results show that the Macao's energy consumption and its related GHG emissions were 32,700 Terajoules (Tj) and 3.70E+06 t CO2 e. in 2010, increased by 31.10% and 100.34% over those of 2000, respectively. The results also indicate that electricity is the biggest contributor to GHG emissions, and induced a large amount of GHG emissions in other places. Energy intensity and per capita GHG emission also witnessed growth from 2000 to 2010. In terms of sectors of the economy, the service industry, commerce, restaurants and hotels, transportation and households are the leading four energy users and GHG emission inducers. Our analysis also suggests that decision-makers should take indirect emissions from energy consumption into consideration to support Macao's energy, climate and sustainability initiatives. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.