EEA reports overall fall in EU greenhouse gas emissions

(Efficient Energy, 21 Jun 2016) Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU continued to decrease in 2014, with a 4.1 per cent reduction in emissions to 24.4 per cent below 1990 levels, according to the EU’s annual inventory published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

These figures come from the EU annual greenhouse gas inventory submitted to the United Nations. In absolute terms, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 1383 million tonnes (Mt) in the EU since 1990, reaching 4282 Mt of CO2 equivalents in 2014.

Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said: “It is positive that Europe has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially since 1990. It is an important step towards reaching our 2030 and 2050 climate targets. To accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to further boost our investments in technology and innovation aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.”

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the 24-year period was due to a variety of factors, including the growing share in the use of renewables, the use of less carbon intensive fuels and improvements in energy efficiency, as well as to structural changes in the economy and the economic recession. Demand for energy to heat households has also been lower, as Europe on average has experienced milder winters since 1990, which has also helped reduce emissions according to an analysis linked to the inventory.

External link

Efficient Energy, 21 Jun 2016: EEA reports overall fall in EU greenhouse gas emissions