Climate change mitigation

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Climate change is already happening: temperatures are rising, drought and wild fires are starting to occur more frequently, rainfall patterns are shifting, glaciers and snow are melting, and the global mean sea level is rising. Most of the warming is very likely due to the observed increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations as a result of emissions from human activities. To mitigate climate change, we must reduce or prevent these emissions. More

Key facts and messages: Scientific understanding of the interaction between air pollution and climate change has improved over the last two decades. In particular, there has been a greater realisation that some air pollutants also act as short-term drivers of global... more; The EU aims to decarbonise its energy system and cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 95% by 2050. To achieve this goal, it has set a binding target of reducing emissions by at least 40% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Further efforts... more; Adaptation to the observed and projected impacts in coming decades is needed, complementary to global climate mitigation actions. The EU strategy on adaptation to climate change supports national adaptation strategies and other actions in countries... more; Although air pollutants and greenhouse gases often come from the same sources, international agreements generally treat them separately. One way that European policy seeks to connect climate and air quality policies is through the inclusion... more; EU greenhouse gas emissions have been decreasing and are now 19% below 1990 levels. Latest data confirm that the EU is on track to overachieve its 2020 target of a 20% reduction compared to 1990 levels. more; The risks of pervasive and irreversible impacts are expected to increase. They could, however, be reduced by further emissions abatement and adaptation measures, building on past actions in Europe and internationally. Key risks for Europe include... more; The majority of European Union Member States expect to meet their individual emission targets for the non-trading sectors under the Effort Sharing Decision. However, for 14 countries, additional measures are needed to bring emissions below the... more; Almost all European countries with an individual greenhouse gas limitation or reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol are on track towards achieving their targets. more

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Coal-fired power plants remain top industrial polluters in Europe

News 09 Jul 2017

Coal-fired power plants across Europe are responsible for the largest amounts of key pollutants released into the air, according to a briefing and updated industrial pollution data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today.

EU greenhouse gas emissions from transport increase for the second year in a row

News 01 Jun 2017

Total European Union greenhouse gas emissions increased by 0.5 % in 2015, according to new European Environment Agency (EEA) data published today. Transport was a key reason for that increase: better fuel efficiency in that sector was not enough to counter the effects of an increasing demand for transport.

Application of EU’s Emissions Trading System rules improving

News 19 May 2017

Application of the rules that underpin the European Union’s Emissions Trading System is improving, with more complete data being reported by EU Member States, according to a new assessment published by the European Environment Agency today. However, improvements are still needed in monitoring and reporting, both by operators and countries.

Carbon dioxide emissions from new vans in Europe continued to fall in 2016

News 18 May 2017

Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new vans registered in 2016 in the European Union (EU) fell by 4.5 grammes (g) per kilometre, compared to the previous year. The reported fuel efficiency improved by 2.7%, according to preliminary data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). This is the highest annual reduction since 2013.

Coal-fired power plants remain top industrial polluters in Europe Coal-fired power plants across Europe are responsible for the largest amounts of key pollutants released into the air, according to a briefing and updated industrial pollution data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today.

EU greenhouse gas emissions from transport increase for the second year in a row Total European Union greenhouse gas emissions increased by 0.5 % in 2015, according to new European Environment Agency (EEA) data published today. Transport was a key reason for that increase: better fuel efficiency in that sector was not enough to counter the effects of an increasing demand for transport.

Application of EU’s Emissions Trading System rules improving Application of the rules that underpin the European Union’s Emissions Trading System is improving, with more complete data being reported by EU Member States, according to a new assessment published by the European Environment Agency today. However, improvements are still needed in monitoring and reporting, both by operators and countries.

Carbon dioxide emissions from new vans in Europe continued to fall in 2016 Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new vans registered in 2016 in the European Union (EU) fell by 4.5 grammes (g) per kilometre, compared to the previous year. The reported fuel efficiency improved by 2.7%, according to preliminary data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). This is the highest annual reduction since 2013.

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Climate finance: resources for low-carbon, climate-resilient Europe

Article 15 Dec 2016

Our climate is changing. We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit the rate of climate change, and at the same time, take measures that help us prepare for current and future impacts. Both of these strands of action require unprecedented redirection of investments. This was acknowledged by the climate conferences in Paris and recently in Marrakesh. The finance sector can and will play an instrumental role in supporting Europe’s transition towards a low- carbon, climate-resilient society.

Beyond Paris: making low-carbon economy happen

Article 15 Sep 2016

Last December in Paris, the world set itself an ambitious target: limiting the global average temperature rise well below 2 degrees, while aiming to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. At the G20 summit earlier this month, China and the United States announced their formal commitment to join the Paris agreement. This is a major step forward for the international effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Nevertheless, the current reduction commitments made so far by signatory countries are not sufficient to meet this ambitious target.

Electric vehicles: moving towards a sustainable mobility system

Article 15 Sep 2016

Modern society depends on the movement of goods and people, but our current transport systems have negative impacts on human health and the environment. We spoke to Magdalena Jóźwicka, project manager of an upcoming report on electric vehicles, about the environmental advantages and challenges of using electricity as an alternative to conventional fuels for vehicles.

Sustainable management is the key to healthy forests in Europe

Article 15 Mar 2016

Forests in Europe provide us essential services: clean air, clean water, natural carbon storage, timber, food and other products. They are home to many species and habitats. We talked about the challenges Europe’s forests face with Annemarie Bastrup-Birk, forest and environment expert at the European Environment Agency.

Climate finance: resources for low-carbon, climate-resilient Europe Our climate is changing. We must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit the rate of climate change, and at the same time, take measures that help us prepare for current and future impacts. Both of these strands of action require unprecedented redirection of investments. This was acknowledged by the climate conferences in Paris and recently in Marrakesh. The finance sector can and will play an instrumental role in supporting Europe’s transition towards a low- carbon, climate-resilient society.

Beyond Paris: making low-carbon economy happen Last December in Paris, the world set itself an ambitious target: limiting the global average temperature rise well below 2 degrees, while aiming to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. At the G20 summit earlier this month, China and the United States announced their formal commitment to join the Paris agreement. This is a major step forward for the international effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. Nevertheless, the current reduction commitments made so far by signatory countries are not sufficient to meet this ambitious target.

Electric vehicles: moving towards a sustainable mobility system Modern society depends on the movement of goods and people, but our current transport systems have negative impacts on human health and the environment. We spoke to Magdalena Jóźwicka, project manager of an upcoming report on electric vehicles, about the environmental advantages and challenges of using electricity as an alternative to conventional fuels for vehicles.

Sustainable management is the key to healthy forests in Europe Forests in Europe provide us essential services: clean air, clean water, natural carbon storage, timber, food and other products. They are home to many species and habitats. We talked about the challenges Europe’s forests face with Annemarie Bastrup-Birk, forest and environment expert at the European Environment Agency.

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Financing Europe’s low carbon, climate resilient future

Publication 06 Jul 2017

The orderly transition to the low carbon, climate-resilient economy that Europe is aiming for is also an investment challenge that depends on a substantial redirection of finance flows towards more sustainable investments. Meeting this challenge and harvesting the associated opportunities requires an improved knowledge base in terms of clear investment information at EU and national levels. Assessing the state-of-play of climate finance tracking in Europe, a recent European Environment Agency (EEA) study indicates that few European countries have translated their national climate and energy objectives into corresponding investment needs and plans.

Key trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU in 2015 and the past 25 years

Publication 01 Jun 2017

This briefing summarises the main findings of the EU’s 2017 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory submission under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and of the EEA’s analysis of GHG emission trends in the EU between 1990 and 2015. It is underpinned by a more in-depth EEA report analysing the major factors behind changes in GHG emissions in the EU: Analysis of key trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU between 1990 and 2015.

Complementary emission estimates produced by EU organisations

Publication 01 Jun 2017

This briefing provides an overview of the key types of greenhouse (GHG) emission estimates that are regularly published by bodies of the European Union (EU)

Annual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2015 and inventory report 2017

Publication 01 Jun 2017

Submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat

Financing Europe’s low carbon, climate resilient future The orderly transition to the low carbon, climate-resilient economy that Europe is aiming for is also an investment challenge that depends on a substantial redirection of finance flows towards more sustainable investments. Meeting this challenge and harvesting the associated opportunities requires an improved knowledge base in terms of clear investment information at EU and national levels. Assessing the state-of-play of climate finance tracking in Europe, a recent European Environment Agency (EEA) study indicates that few European countries have translated their national climate and energy objectives into corresponding investment needs and plans.

Key trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU in 2015 and the past 25 years This briefing summarises the main findings of the EU’s 2017 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory submission under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and of the EEA’s analysis of GHG emission trends in the EU between 1990 and 2015. It is underpinned by a more in-depth EEA report analysing the major factors behind changes in GHG emissions in the EU: Analysis of key trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU between 1990 and 2015.

Complementary emission estimates produced by EU organisations This briefing provides an overview of the key types of greenhouse (GHG) emission estimates that are regularly published by bodies of the European Union (EU)

Annual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2015 and inventory report 2017 Submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat

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Key provider of environmental knowledge in Europe

Video 30 Nov 2015

The EEA is the key knowledge provider on Europe’s environment for those involved in developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating environmental policy in Europe. Our task is to provide impartial, sound, timely and reliable data and knowledge on Europe’s environment.

Key provider of environmental knowledge in Europe The EEA is the key knowledge provider on Europe’s environment for those involved in developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating environmental policy in Europe. Our task is to provide impartial, sound, timely and reliable data and knowledge on Europe’s environment.

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European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL

Data 09 Aug 2017

Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Greenhouse gas emissions from transport

Indicator Assessment 11 Jul 2017

In 2015, the transport sector contributed 25.8 % of total EU-28 greenhouse gas emissions. The figure decreases to 21 % if international aviation and maritime emissions are excluded. Emissions from t ransport (including aviation but excluding international shipping) in 2015 were 23 % above 1990 levels despite a decline between 2008 and 2013. Emissions increased by almost 2 % compared with 2014. International aviation experienced the largest percentage increase in greenhouse gas emissions over 1990 levels (+105 %), followed by international shipping (+22 %) and road transport (+19 %). Emissions need to fall by around two thirds by 2050, compared with 1990 levels, in order to meet the long-term 60 % greenhouse gas emission reduction target as set out in the 2011 Transport White Paper.

National emissions reported to the UNFCCC and to the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism

Data 01 Jun 2017

Data on greenhouse gas emissions and removals, sent by countries to UNFCCC and the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism (EU Member States). This data set reflects the GHG inventory data for 2017 as reported under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change.

Production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances

Indicator Assessment 08 Mar 2017

A significant reduction in the consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) has been achieved by the EEA-33 countries since 1986. This reduction has been largely driven by the 1987 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Montreal Protocol. Upon entry into force of the Montreal Protocol, EEA-33 consumption was approximately 420 000 ozone-depleting potential tonnes (ODP tonnes). Consumption values around zero were reached in 2002 and have remained consistently so ever since. S ince the early 1990s, th e European Union (EU) has taken additional measures, in the shape of EU law, to reduce the consumption of ODS. In many aspects, the current EU regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer (1005/2009/EC) goes further than the Montreal Protocol and it has also brought forward the phasing out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the EU.

Relative contribution of different factors to the net modelled ozone change

Figure 21 Dec 2015

The factors considered are intercontinental transport (‘bckd’, pink box), European emission strategies (‘emissions’, blue), and climate change (‘climate’, orange). The net (‘All’, white) modelled ozone change is expressed in SOMO35. Graph presents the modelled ozone change in 2050 compared to the present day for a reference (left) and climate mitigation (right) scenarios

Trends in cool nights across Europe

Figure 13 Jul 2015

How to read the map: Cool nights are defined as being below the 10th percentile of the daily minimum temperature. Grid boxes outlined in solid black contain at least 3 stations and so are likely to be more representative of the grid-box. Higher confidence in the long-term trend is shown by a black dot.

Data on greenhouse gas emissions relevant under the Europe 2020 Strategy (total EU GHG emissions and non-ETS national GHG emissions)

Figure 16 Dec 2013

Data compiled by EEA. At EU level, the data provided are total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (excluding emissions from LULUCF, including emissions from international aviation), which are consistent with the emission scope covered in the EU’s objective to reduce its GHG emissions by 20% compared to 1990 by 2020. At Member State level, the data provided are ‘non-ETS emissions’ (emissions covered under the ‘Effort Sharing Decision’ (406/2009/EC)). The Effort Sharing Decision sets national annual binding targets for emissions not covered under the EU emission trading scheme (ETS). These non-ETS emissions exclude emissions from LULUCF, emissions from international aviation and CO2 emissions from domestic aviation.

Projected changes in annual near-surface temperature for periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100

Figure 26 Jun 2012

Projected changes in annual near-surface air temperature (°C) using multi-model ensemble average of RCM simulations for the period 2021-2050 (left) and 2071-2100 (right). Model simulations of the EU-ENSEMBLES project using the IPCC SRES A1B emission scenario for the periods 1961-1990, 2021-2050 and 2071-2100 (van der Linden and Mitchell, 2009).

Annual temperature changes for 2021-2050

GIS Map Application 03 May 2012

Projected changes in annual mean surface temperature (in K) under A1B scenario, multi-model ensemble mean for the time period 2021-2050 relative to 1961-1990 mean. Map presents changes using ensemble mean of several regional climate models (RCMs), run by different climate modelling communities in the frame of the EU FP6 Integrated Project ENSEMBLES (Contract number 505539). Data are presented as changes in relative terms (according to 1961-1990 period) in spatial resolution of approximately 25 km.

Annual precipitation changes 2021-2050

GIS Map Application 16 Apr 2012

Projected changes in annual precipitation in percentages under A1B scenario, multi-model ensemble mean for the time periods 2021-2050 relative to 1961-1990 mean. Map presents changes using ensemble mean of several regional climate models (RCMs), run by different climate modelling communities in the frame of the EU FP6 Integrated Project ENSEMBLES (Contract number 505539). Data are presented as changes in relative terms (according to 1961-1990 period) in spatial resolution of approximately 25 km.

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Greenhouse gas emissions from transport In 2015, the transport sector contributed 25.8 % of total EU-28 greenhouse gas emissions. The figure decreases to 21 % if international aviation and maritime emissions are excluded. Emissions from t ransport (including aviation but excluding international shipping) in 2015 were 23 % above 1990 levels despite a decline between 2008 and 2013. Emissions increased by almost 2 % compared with 2014. International aviation experienced the largest percentage increase in greenhouse gas emissions over 1990 levels (+105 %), followed by international shipping (+22 %) and road transport (+19 %). Emissions need to fall by around two thirds by 2050, compared with 1990 levels, in order to meet the long-term 60 % greenhouse gas emission reduction target as set out in the 2011 Transport White Paper.

National emissions reported to the UNFCCC and to the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism Data on greenhouse gas emissions and removals, sent by countries to UNFCCC and the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism (EU Member States). This data set reflects the GHG inventory data for 2017 as reported under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change.

Production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances A significant reduction in the consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) has been achieved by the EEA-33 countries since 1986. This reduction has been largely driven by the 1987 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Montreal Protocol. Upon entry into force of the Montreal Protocol, EEA-33 consumption was approximately 420 000 ozone-depleting potential tonnes (ODP tonnes). Consumption values around zero were reached in 2002 and have remained consistently so ever since. S ince the early 1990s, th e European Union (EU) has taken additional measures, in the shape of EU law, to reduce the consumption of ODS. In many aspects, the current EU regulation on substances that deplete the ozone layer (1005/2009/EC) goes further than the Montreal Protocol and it has also brought forward the phasing out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the EU.

Relative contribution of different factors to the net modelled ozone change The factors considered are intercontinental transport (‘bckd’, pink box), European emission strategies (‘emissions’, blue), and climate change (‘climate’, orange). The net (‘All’, white) modelled ozone change is expressed in SOMO35. Graph presents the modelled ozone change in 2050 compared to the present day for a reference (left) and climate mitigation (right) scenarios

Trends in cool nights across Europe How to read the map: Cool nights are defined as being below the 10th percentile of the daily minimum temperature. Grid boxes outlined in solid black contain at least 3 stations and so are likely to be more representative of the grid-box. Higher confidence in the long-term trend is shown by a black dot.

Data on greenhouse gas emissions relevant under the Europe 2020 Strategy (total EU GHG emissions and non-ETS national GHG emissions) Data compiled by EEA. At EU level, the data provided are total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (excluding emissions from LULUCF, including emissions from international aviation), which are consistent with the emission scope covered in the EU’s objective to reduce its GHG emissions by 20% compared to 1990 by 2020. At Member State level, the data provided are ‘non-ETS emissions’ (emissions covered under the ‘Effort Sharing Decision’ (406/2009/EC)). The Effort Sharing Decision sets national annual binding targets for emissions not covered under the EU emission trading scheme (ETS). These non-ETS emissions exclude emissions from LULUCF, emissions from international aviation and CO2 emissions from domestic aviation.

Projected changes in annual near-surface temperature for periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100 Projected changes in annual near-surface air temperature (°C) using multi-model ensemble average of RCM simulations for the period 2021-2050 (left) and 2071-2100 (right). Model simulations of the EU-ENSEMBLES project using the IPCC SRES A1B emission scenario for the periods 1961-1990, 2021-2050 and 2071-2100 (van der Linden and Mitchell, 2009).

Annual temperature changes for 2021-2050 Projected changes in annual mean surface temperature (in K) under A1B scenario, multi-model ensemble mean for the time period 2021-2050 relative to 1961-1990 mean. Map presents changes using ensemble mean of several regional climate models (RCMs), run by different climate modelling communities in the frame of the EU FP6 Integrated Project ENSEMBLES (Contract number 505539). Data are presented as changes in relative terms (according to 1961-1990 period) in spatial resolution of approximately 25 km.

Annual precipitation changes 2021-2050 Projected changes in annual precipitation in percentages under A1B scenario, multi-model ensemble mean for the time periods 2021-2050 relative to 1961-1990 mean. Map presents changes using ensemble mean of several regional climate models (RCMs), run by different climate modelling communities in the frame of the EU FP6 Integrated Project ENSEMBLES (Contract number 505539). Data are presented as changes in relative terms (according to 1961-1990 period) in spatial resolution of approximately 25 km.

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