EU greenhouse gas emissions fall by over 8% in 2023

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In 2023, EU greenhouse gas emissions fell by over 8%, largely due to impressive growth in renewable energy sources.

The European Commission has published the 2024 Climate Action Progress Report, demonstrating that net EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions decreased by 8.3% in 2023 compared to 2022. This is the biggest annual decline in decades, except for 2020 when COVID-19 led to emission amounts of 9.8%. 

Also, net GHG emissions are currently 37% below 1990 levels, while GDP increased by 68% over the same period, indicating the continued decoupling of emissions and economic development. 

How does the EU’s emission reduction compare historically?

The report shows that emissions from power and industrial facilities covered by the EU Emissions Trading System witnessed a record 16.5% decline in 2023. ETS sector emissions are now about 47.6% below 2005 levels and well on track to achieve the 2030 target of -62%. Under the EU ETS, GHG from electricity production and heating reduced by 24% compared to 2022, driven by the development of renewable energy sources, in particular wind and solar energy, and the transition away from coal. Aviation emissions increased by 9.5%, continuing their post-COVID trend.

Moreover, Buildings, farming, domestic transport, small industry and waste emissions decreased by around 2% in 2023. Declines were driven by the buildings sector, falling by around 5.5%. Agricultural emissions decreased by 2% while transport emissions dropped by less than 1%. The EU’s natural carbon sink rose by 8.5% in 2023.

What future actions are recommended for climate resilience?

The report recommends that while Member States are slowly enhancing climate adaptation and building resilience, further action is required. In 2023, Europe underwent its largest wildfires ever recorded, one of the moistest years on record, primary marine heatwaves, widespread devastating flooding, and a continuing growth in temperatures. The Commission Communication on Managing Climate Risks and the European Climate Risk Assessment both emphasised that climate exposure needs to be regarded at all levels of governance when setting policy preferences, and across all sectoral policies.

The report also outlines key accomplishments and recent developments in the battle against climate change. It covers essential (historic) emissions and casts future emissions for every Member State, as information on EU policies and measures, climate finance and adaptation.