**GAO-10-818**                      Published: Jul 30, 2010. Publicly Released: Aug 05, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

Nations that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change periodically submit inventories estimating their greenhouse gas emissions. The Convention Secretariat runs a review process to evaluate inventories from 41 "Annex I" nations, which are mostly economically developed nations. The 153 "non-Annex I" nations are generally less economically developed and have less stringent inventory reporting guidelines. The Department of State (State) represents the United States in international climate change negotiations. GAO was asked to report on (1) what is known about the comparability and quality of inventories and barriers, if any, to improvement; (2) what is known about the strengths and limits of the inventory review process; and (3) views of experts on implications for current and future international agreements to reduce emissions. GAO analyzed inventory reviews and inventories from the seven highest-emitting Annex I nations and seven of the highest emitting non-Annex I nations. GAO also selected and interviewed experts.

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## Topics

Natural Resources and Environment

Air pollution controlAir qualityCarbon dioxideClimate changeComparative analysisData collectionDeveloping countriesEmissions inspectionForeign governmentsGreenhouse gasesInternational cooperationInternational organizationsInventoriesInventory controlQuality assuranceQuality improvementReporting requirementsTotal quality management