Total greenhouse gas emissions (without LULUCF)

The total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in CO₂eq totalled 45 364.92 Gg in 2023, which is a decrease from the levels in the two previous years. In the longer term (1988–2023), GHG emissions have decreased. This indicates promising prospects for achieving the 2030 EU target if policies are strictly followed. The main reasons for the decreasing GHG emission trend in Bulgaria are the structural economic changes and the radical transition from a centrally planned to a market-based economy. These factors led to a decrease in power production from thermal power stations, an increase in shares of hydropower and nuclear power, structural changes in industry, the introduction of energy efficiency measures in the residential sector and a shift from solid and liquid fuel to natural gas in energy consumption. There was also a decrease in GHG emissions from the agricultural sector, stemming from decreases in cattle and sheep populations and fertiliser use. Bulgaria experienced a steady decreasing population trend in 1988–2023, with a total reduction of 28.28%.