EU greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 7% in 2023

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🗞️ Driving the news: The EU’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022, totaling 3.4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalents
• This marks an 18% reduction since 2013, driven by declines in emissions across most economic activities, especially in energy supply (-43%)
• However, transportation and storage saw a 14% increase in emissions over the same period

🔭 The context: From 2013 to 2023, sectors like electricity and gas, manufacturing, and services significantly reduced emissions, reflecting advancements in energy efficiency and cleaner technologies
• Household emissions also fell by 14%, while the EU economy grew by 19%, showing progress in decoupling emissions from economic growth
• Transportation remains a challenge, with emissions continuing to rise

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The EU's progress highlights the feasibility of reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth, offering a model for global climate action
• However, the transportation sector’s rising emissions underscore the need for targeted policies in decarbonizing mobility and logistics

⏭️ What's next: The EU will need to address emissions in transportation and maintain momentum in other sectors to meet its climate neutrality goals by 2050
• Countries with slower progress on emissions intensity, such as Austria and Luxembourg, may need additional measures to accelerate reductions

💬 One quote: “The EU economy simultaneously increased its value added (+19%) and reduced its greenhouse gas emissions,” demonstrating effective climate mitigation strategies

📈 One stat: Greenhouse gas emissions intensity in the EU dropped by 32% from 2013 to 2023, with Estonia leading the reductions (-61%)

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