Last year, greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) continued to rise slightly (0.6% compared to 2016 levels). This increase was mainly due to the rise in fuel consumption in the road transport sector, according to preliminary findings published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), on Friday 26 October.
Figures confirm the upward trend in emissions since 2014, following the almost constant drop recorded during 10 consecutive years. The energy sector, however, has continued to bring GGEs down thanks to the reduced share of coal used in electricity and heating production.
Nonetheless, the 2020 target is achieved while the 2030 target is at risk. Despite it all, the EU should do better than its 2020 target, given that, according to trends and projection assessments, it would achieve a 21.9% reduction in its emissions compared with 1990 (instead of the required 20%). The position is quite different for the 2030 target (a reduction of at least 40% in emissions compared to 1990 levels), which could be compromised unless most member states step up their efforts, the EEA states.
Last year, a rise in emissions was recorded in 17 countries – with Spain in the lead, followed by France and Poland. On the other hand, Denmark, Finland and the United Kingdom had the greatest falls in emissions.
The report is accessible online at the EEA website: https://bit.ly/2Ob4YqV. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)