EU Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decrease 22% From 2008 to 2021
The European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) level in 2021 fell by 22% from a peak hit in 2008, the bloc’s statistical office, Eurostat, said on Wednesday. The top five emitters of the 27 EU member states – Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain – accounted for roughly 60% of emissions of carbon dioxide, the dominant GHG. Eurostat studied 64 emitting industries, aggregated into six groupings, plus household consumption.
Overall GHG emissions – including methane and nitrous oxide as well as carbon dioxide – stood at 3.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq) in 2021, 1.01 billion tonnes of CO2-eq lower than a peak so far hit in 2008 when the EU data set began. The industries with the largest reductions were mining and quarrying, down 42% between 2008 and 2021, and utilities, steam, and air conditioning supply, down 39%. Manufacturing, transportation, storage, and households saw a 23% and 13% decrease, respectively.
The EU has set a target to reduce GHG emissions by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, as part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. To achieve this target, the EU has implemented a number of policies and measures, including the EU Emissions Trading System, which sets a limit on the total amount of certain GHGs that can be emitted by installations covered by the system. The EU has also introduced energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances, and vehicles, as well as promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
However, despite the progress made in reducing GHG emissions, the EU is facing challenges in achieving its climate goals. One of the main challenges is the expected rebound in emissions in 2022 due to the easing of lockdowns and increased economic activity. There are also concerns about the underperformance of nuclear and hydroelectric energy, which has led to an increase in demand for fossil fuel power. The summer heat waves of 2022 have also contributed to higher GHG emissions, as they have led to an increase in air conditioning use.
To address these challenges and achieve its climate goals, the EU will need to continue to implement policies and measures to reduce GHG emissions. This could include further promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and increasing energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, and vehicles. The EU could also consider implementing policies to encourage the development and deployment of technologies that capture and store GHG emissions, such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
In addition to national and EU-level policies, it will also be important for individuals and businesses to play their part in reducing GHG emissions. This could involve making choices that reduce energy consumption, such as using energy-efficient appliances and vehicles or reducing the amount of meat and dairy products in their diet, which has a higher carbon footprint compared to plant-based alternatives. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing GHG emissions and addressing climate change.
Prachi, an accomplished Chief-Editor at The Sustainable Brands Journal, has 15+ years of experience in Europe, the Middle East, and India, managing 90+ global sustainable brands. She’s a prolific writer in sustainability, contributing to various publications. Prachi’s unwavering passion and expertise make her a recognized authority, driving positive change and inspiring a sustainable future.
