EU greenhouse gas emissions down 8 percent in 2023

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The European Union achieved an 8.3% drop in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, marking one of the largest annual reductions since records began, according to the EU’s 2024 Climate Action Progress Report
• This decrease brings EU emissions to 37% below 1990 levels, driven mainly by increased renewable energy adoption

🔭 The context: Renewable energy sources contributed 44.7% of EU electricity in 2023, surpassing fossil fuels at 32.5%
• Efficiency gains, particularly in industry, alongside lower industrial output and the expansion of carbon sinks, also played roles in achieving emissions reductions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This emissions cut shows that with consistent investment in renewables and lower-carbon systems, the EU is on a promising path to meet its 2030 target of a 55% reduction
• Achieving this target is crucial for global climate goals and the EU’s climate leadership

⏭️ What's next: Continued focus on expanding renewables, efficient heating systems, and carbon sinks will be essential for maintaining this pace toward the EU's 2030 and 2050 climate targets
• European Commission officials emphasize sustaining this momentum for long-term climate progress

💬 One quote: “We are on track to meet our 2030 targets to reduce emissions by at least 55 percent if this momentum is maintained” – European Commission spokesperson Tim McPhie

📈 One stat: Renewable energy accounted for 44.7% of EU electricity generation in 2023, outpacing fossil fuels at 32.5%

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