Despite a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, the European Union is still a long way from achieving its 2030 climate targets.
According to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA) published on 22 December 2023, although greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 31% since 1990, the EU’s annual emissions reduction must more than double compared with the increase recorded since 2005, particularly in road transport, buildings, agriculture, waste and small-scale industry, if the Union is to meet its ambitious commitment to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030.
However, the year 2022 saw significant progress, including a 28% increase in solar energy and a combined share of wind and solar exceeding 20% of electricity production. In addition, sales of electric vehicles accounted for 22% of new car sales.
However, these advances are not enough to compensate for shortcomings in other areas.
Indeed, a worrying rise in emissions has been observed in the energy and transport sectors.
Moreover, current projections suggest that emissions reductions will reach only 48% by 2030, leaving a significant shortfall in relation to the 55% target.
This underlines the urgent need for enhanced and coordinated action at European level to ensure an effective and sustainable energy transition.
To view the EEA data (in French): https://aeur.eu/f/aam (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)