EU cuts greenhouse gas emissions by over 8 per cent in 2023


11/01/2024

The EC released a report on Thursday revealing that the EU decreased greenhouse gas emissions by over 8% in 2023 compared to the prior year, thanks to a rise in renewable energy.



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“The EU is at the forefront of the shift towards renewable energy sources (...). The EU currently accounts for 6% of worldwide emissions,” stated EC member for climate protection Wopke Hoekstra. He added that by cutting emissions by 8%, the union proving to international partners that it is feasible to combat climate change while promoting economic growth.

Nevertheless, the European Commissioner pointed out that “efforts should still be made domestically and internationally due to the detrimental effects of climate change on our people.”

According to the EC, this is the biggest yearly decrease in many years, second only to 2020 when emissions dropped by 9.8% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, the European Union's net greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 37 percent from 1990 levels, while GDP has increased by 68 percent during the same time frame.

Brussels stated that the EU is still on track to meet its pledge to decrease emissions by a minimum of 55 percent by 2030.

source: ec.europa.eu