According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), greenhouse gas emissions in the EU fell by 8% in 2023 due to the closure of coal-fired power plants and increased energy production from wind and solar sources.
This reduction is similar to the drop observed in Europe at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic when transportation and industrial activity were significantly reduced.
In 2023, EU emissions were 37% below 1990 levels. The goal is a 55% reduction from 1990 levels by 2030. However, with current member state policies, emissions are projected to decrease by 43% by 2030 compared to 1990. If planned measures are implemented, this reduction could reach 49%.
In 2022, China, the USA, India, the EU, Russia, and Brazil were the largest greenhouse gas emitters, accounting for 61.6% of global emissions.
The most significant reduction in pollution last year came from the energy sector, driven by the growth of renewable energy sources. Emissions from construction and industry decreased by 6%, as some factories became more efficient while others cut back production.
Progress in other sectors, however, fell well short of the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Emissions from agriculture dropped by only 2%, and transportation sector emissions dropped by just 1%.
The report notes that the average European is expected to emit 7.26 tons of greenhouse gases in 2023, slightly above the global average of 6.59 tons.
