Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU down by 9% in 2023 - largest decrease since 1990
EU ENERGY SECTOR DRIVES CLIMATE PROTECTION FORWARD
The European Union took a historic step towards climate protection in 2023: according to the latest data from the European Environment Agency (EEA), net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU fell by an impressive 9% compared to theyear. This is the largest percentage reduction in the EU since emissions records began in 1990.
The energy sector stands out in particular, having contributed the lion's share to the reduction. The reason: a sharp decline in the consumption of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas - and at the same time a strong increase in electricity from renewable sources, particularly wind, solar and hydropower.
Less energy consumption, more renewables
2023 was characterized by overall lower energy consumption in the EU - both in industry and in private households. In the electricity sector in particular, emissions fell by a whopping 22% - the biggest drop in this area for over three decades.
According to Eurostat, the share of renewable energies increased significantly, while the consumption of bioenergy fell slightly. This development reflects the structural change in the European energy supply.
Long-term trend: economy grows, emissions fall
A remarkable finding: the economy grew - emissions fell. Between 1990 and 2023, the EU's gross domestic product (GDP) rose by around 70 %, while greenhouse gas emissions fell by 37 %. This shows that Economic growth and climate protection are not mutually exclusive - at least not necessarily.
Further findings at a glance:
- The largest reductions in emissions were recorded in the areas of public electricity and heat generation, industry and construction, households and steel production.
- Progress in energy efficiency, the use of lower-carbon technologies and the expansion of renewable energies were decisive factors.
- Milder winters and improved building insulation also reduced heating requirements.
- The only exceptions to the decline in emissions were transportation and refrigeration and air conditioning technology, where energy demand increased more than efficiency.
- Forests and soils, once important CO₂ sinks, are losing their absorption capacity - due to ageing, increased use and climate impacts, among other things.
A stage victory - but no reason for complacency
Despite the positive trend, the EEA warns that decisive action is still needed to achieve the climate targets. There is still a lot of work to be done, particularly in the transport, agriculture and land use sectors.
But the current figures show: Transformation is possible. The EU is on its way to consolidating its role as a global pioneer in climate protection - with an increasingly "greener" energy system as its backbone.
Go to the EEA website: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en
