illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the European Environment Agency (EEA) or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: EU greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8% in 2023, pushing total reductions to 37% below 1990 levels, according to the EEA's Trends and Projections report
• This decrease, largely driven by lower coal use and a rise in renewable energy, puts the EU back on track toward its climate goals after slower progress during recent crises

🔭 The context: The EU Climate Law targets a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and full climate neutrality by 2050
• Member States project a 43% reduction with current measures, but additional planned actions could raise this to 49%, with updated national plans offering further potential to close this gap

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Rapid expansion in renewable energy, now at 24% of EU consumption, has been instrumental in emissions reduction
• The power and industrial sectors are on track with the 2030 targets, but sectors like transport and agriculture lag, requiring accelerated action for balanced emissions and removals

⏭️ What's next: The EEA emphasizes the need for stable policies and investment through 2040, aiming for a 90% reduction target by then
• Addressing slower reductions in sectors like agriculture and transport will be crucial to sustain EU climate targets beyond 2030

💬 One quote: “This year’s Trends and Projections Report calls for comprehensive action across all sectors to achieve our shared goal of balancing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon removals,” - Leena Ylä-Mononen, EEA Executive Director

📈 One stat: Renewable energy’s share of EU energy consumption has increased from 10% in 2005 to 24% in 2023

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