EU greenhouse gas emissions are down 22% compared to 2008

Alina Oprea

22 December, 2023 at 10:45 AM

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by the economic activities of resident units in the European Union last year stood at 3.6 billion tons of CO2 equivalent. This is a 22% decrease compared to 2008, the year in which publication began data, shows the information published by the European Statistics Office (Eurostat). The EU has set itself a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

The activities with the highest GHG emissions in 2022 were industry and the supply of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning, both with 745 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, representing 21% of the total greenhouse gases emitted.

Households follow (718 million tons of CO2 equivalent, 20%), which are greenhouse gas emitters in transport, home heating, and other purposes.

Between 2008 and 2022, the most significant decline in GHG emissions was recorded in the extractive industry (minus 40%), the supply of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning (minus 37%), and industry (minus 28%).

EU greenhouse gas emissions down 4.0% in Q1 2024

In the first quarter of 2024, the EU economy's greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 894 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents.

Environment

EU generates 188.7 kg of packaging waste per inhabitant

From parcels for online purchases to coffee-to-go cups, packaging is almost everywhere.

Environment

Eurostat reports 131 kg of food waste per person for 2021

In 2021, around 131 kilograms (kg) of food per inhabitant have been wasted in the EU, according to Eurostat.

Energy

Renewables to make up 42.5% of EU energy consumption by 2030

MEPs back plans to boost the use of renewable energy.

Environment

CO2 emissions fall by 3% in European Union

In the first quarter of 2023, greenhouse gas emissions generated by the economy of the European Union totaled 941 million tons of CO2 equivalent, a decrease of 2.9% compared to the same period in 2022 (969 million tons of CO2 equivalent), shows data published by the European Statistical Office (Eurostat).

Regulation

European Council adopts energy efficiency directive

The Council adopted new rules to reduce final energy consumption at the EU level by 11.7% in 2030.

Mobility

MEPs adopt new rules for greener maritime fuels

MEPs approved new rules on more alternative fuel stations for cars and trucks, simple and easy recharging, and on cleaner maritime fuels.

LATEST NEWS

11 Dec

Prologis signs Poland's first logistics PPA deal

11 Dec

Lidl Romania exceeds 2030 sustainability targets early

10 Dec

EU scales back corporate sustainability laws — Investors warn transparency will suffer

10 Dec

Dentons advises OX2 on 235 MW Romanian wind acquisition

3 Dec

Reckitt signs major lease at Garbe Park Klášterec nad Ohří

CONFERENCES

CEE PROPERTY FORUM & AWARDS GALA 2024 - VIENNA, AUSTRIA

POLAND ESG FORUM 2024

Romania ESG Forum 2024

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE

Regulation

EU scales back corporate sustainability laws — Investors warn transparency will suffer

The European Union has reached a provisional agreement to reduce the scope and stringency of two major ESG regulatory frameworks: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Industry

Lidl Romania exceeds 2030 sustainability targets early

Lidl Romania has published its eighth sustainability report for the 2024 financial year, announcing accelerated progress in reducing environmental impact. The retailer has achieved its international 2030 target for transitioning to natural refrigerants, with these now used in 100% of logistics centres and 81.7% of stores, compared to the original goal of 100% of logistics centres and 40% of stores. The company has also increased its green energy usage to 80% of total consumption.

Energy

Dentons advises OX2 on 235 MW Romanian wind acquisition

Global law firm Dentons has advised OX2 on acquiring three wind power projects totaling 235 MW in Romania from Future Power. The projects, located in Vaslui and Vrancea counties, are expected to be commissioned between 2028 and 2030, subject to permitting.

Energy

Turkish investors pour millions into Romanian green energy

Romania is emerging as a key destination for Turkish renewable energy investments, attracting growing interest from industrial and financial groups. Real grid connection opportunities for projects, infrastructure modernisation potential, and investment framework stability make Romania strategic for Turkish capital as Europe accelerates its transition to sustainable sources and energy independence.

Business

Cost remains main driver and biggest barrier in sustainability

51% of Romanian entrepreneurs see sustainability as a way to reduce operational costs, yet the same proportion say implementation is too expensive, according to a new study by BRD Groupe Société Générale. Conducted among micro and small-to-medium enterprises, the research outlines how Romanian entrepreneurs perceive the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to sustainable business models.

POPULAR

Environment

2 months ago

Nearly 772 million liters of water are lost annually due to leakages