EEA trends and projections: EU greenhouse gas emissions see significant drop in 2023

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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