EU,Largest annual drop in EU greenhouse gas emissions for decades, finds report

Largest Annual Drop in EU Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Decades, Finds Report

Brussels, November 5, 2024 – The European Union has achieved its largest annual drop in greenhouse gas emissions in decades, according to a new report released today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The report, titled “Trends and Projections in Europe 2024,” found that EU emissions fell by 6% in 2023, the largest annual decline since 1990. This brings the EU’s total emissions to 10% below 1990 levels.

The main drivers of the emissions reduction were the increased use of renewable energy, the improved energy efficiency of buildings and industry, and the switch to electric vehicles.

“This is a significant achievement that shows that the EU is making progress towards its climate goals,” said Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. “It is also a testament to the efforts of our Member States, businesses, and citizens.”

The report also found that the EU is on track to meet its target of cutting emissions by 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. However, the EEA warned that the EU needs to continue its efforts to reduce emissions in order to reach the target and avoid the worst effects of climate change.

“We need to maintain this momentum and accelerate our transition to a zero-carbon society,” said Sinkevičius. “We have no time to lose.”

Implications for EU Policy

The report’s findings are expected to have significant implications for EU climate policy. The European Commission is currently considering a number of proposals to further reduce emissions, including a revision of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and a new carbon tax.

The report also highlights the need for the EU to invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles. The Commission is expected to propose a number of measures to support these investments in its upcoming climate action plan.

Reaction from Other Stakeholders

The report has been welcomed by environmental groups and business leaders.

“This is a step in the right direction, but we need to do more,” said Wendel Trio, the director of Climate Action Network Europe. “The EU needs to set more ambitious emissions targets and implement stronger policies to support the transition to a zero-carbon society.”

“We are pleased to see the EU making progress towards its climate goals,” said Philippe Joubert, the CEO of Eurelectric, the trade association for the European electricity industry. “The use of renewable energy and the improved energy efficiency of our sector have played a significant role in this decline.”

Conclusion

The EEA report is a significant development in the EU’s efforts to address climate change. The report’s findings zeigen that the EU is making progress towards its climate goals, but that more needs to be done. The EU is expected to take further action to reduce emissions in the coming years.

Additional Information

  • The EEA report is available at: www.eea.europa.eu/publications/trends-and-projections-in-europe-2024
  • The European Commission’s climate action plan is expected to be released in the coming months.
  • The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is a cap-and-trade system that covers emissions from power plants, industrial installations, and airlines.
  • The proposed carbon tax would be imposed on the use of fossil fuels.

Largest annual drop in EU greenhouse gas emissions for decades, finds report

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