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The chart shows the estimated contributions of the various factors that have affected total GHG emissions. This approach is often used to portray the primary forces driving emissions. The explanatory factors should not be seen as fundamental factors in themselves nor should they be seen as independent of each other.

The chosen factors in Figure 3 are an extension of the Kaya identity. Care should be taken to avoid over-interpretation of the different effects, but decomposition analysis can point to interesting findings, which can be explored further using other methods. More information on the methodology can be found in Box 4.1 of the 2020 EEA report on Trends and Drivers of EU GHG emissions.

Related content

Key trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union
Key trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union

References and footnotes