In a significant environmental breakthrough, the European Union achieved an 8.3% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023, marking one of the largest year-over-year declines outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from the European Commission. This marks a major milestone in the EU’s pursuit of climate neutrality and reinforces its commitment to global climate goals.
The report highlights remarkable progress in the EU’s energy transition, with renewable sources now accounting for nearly 45% of all electricity generated across the bloc. A substantial surge in wind and solar production, coupled with a transition from coal to natural gas, has helped renewables secure a dominant role in EU electricity. This shift led to a nearly 20% reduction in fossil fuel-based electricity generation last year.
Significantly, emissions from the power and industrial sectors saw a record 16.5% drop, with additional reductions across buildings, agriculture, and transport. Notably, emissions from buildings fell by 5.5%, agriculture by 2%, and transport by under 1%. Aviation emissions, however, rose by 9.5%, underscoring the ongoing environmental challenges in that sector.
“The EU is leading the way in the clean transition, with another year of strong greenhouse gas emission reductions in 2023,” stated Wopke Hoekstra, EU Commissioner for Climate Action. “The EU now represents only 6% of global emissions. As we prepare for COP29, we are showing the world that robust climate action and economic growth can go hand in hand. However, the report is a reminder of the work that remains to address the impacts of climate change on our citizens.”
The European Climate Law, adopted in 2021, set ambitious binding targets, aiming for a 55% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Supported by the “Fit-for-55” legislative package, the EU’s climate agenda seeks to drive emissions cuts across sectors including energy, industry, transport, and agriculture.
The report notes that the EU has achieved a 37% reduction in net emissions relative to 1990, while the region’s GDP has grown by 68% over the same period, illustrating a decoupling of economic growth from carbon emissions.
The latest findings signal strong momentum as the EU heads to the COP29 climate summit, emphasizing the bloc’s commitment to a sustainable economic future and underscoring the urgency of continued international climate cooperation.
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