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

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Increase in EU greenhouse gas emissions hampers progress towards 2030 targets

News 26 Oct 2018

Greenhouse gas emissions across the European Union rose slightly in 2017, mostly because of the transport sector. Preliminary estimates published today in the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) annual ‘trends and projections’ assessments show a 0.6% emissions increase in 2017 from 2016. This limited increase means that the EU is still expected to achieve its 2020 emissions reduction target, albeit by a narrower margin. However, national measures will need to be urgently stepped up to achieve the EU’s new reduction targets for 2030.

Europe continues to phase out substances harmful to the ozone layer under the Montreal Protocol

News 14 Sep 2018

Overall efforts to reduce the use of chemicals harming the ozone layer across the European Union continued in 2017 and the EU has already achieved its goals on the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol, according to the latest data released today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Countries give only limited information on the results of their policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

News 05 Jul 2018

Most national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe target energy consumption and energy supply, while economic and regulatory instruments are the most common means of cutting emissions, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today. The report also reveals that EU Member States report the actual effects and costs for only a small number of their policies and measures.

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing

News 31 May 2018

Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

Increase in EU greenhouse gas emissions hampers progress towards 2030 targets Greenhouse gas emissions across the European Union rose slightly in 2017, mostly because of the transport sector. Preliminary estimates published today in the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) annual ‘trends and projections’ assessments show a 0.6% emissions increase in 2017 from 2016. This limited increase means that the EU is still expected to achieve its 2020 emissions reduction target, albeit by a narrower margin. However, national measures will need to be urgently stepped up to achieve the EU’s new reduction targets for 2030.

Europe continues to phase out substances harmful to the ozone layer under the Montreal Protocol Overall efforts to reduce the use of chemicals harming the ozone layer across the European Union continued in 2017 and the EU has already achieved its goals on the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol, according to the latest data released today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Countries give only limited information on the results of their policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Most national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe target energy consumption and energy supply, while economic and regulatory instruments are the most common means of cutting emissions, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today. The report also reveals that EU Member States report the actual effects and costs for only a small number of their policies and measures.

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

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Understanding and acting on the complexity of climate change

Article 17 Sep 2018

Climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. Its impacts are felt across the globe, affecting people, nature and the economy. To mitigate climate change, we need to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases significantly. Translating this overall objective into concrete measures requires understanding a complex system linking emissions from different sources to national and regional impacts, global governance and potential co-benefits. The European Environment Agency strives to continuously improve the knowledge needed for designing effective measures on the ground.

Aviation and shipping emissions in focus

Article 15 Mar 2018

The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its annual Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) report, which this year focused on aviation and shipping. The two sectors are growing rapidly, which also has an impact on the environment, notably emissions. We asked Anke Lükewille, EEA expert on air pollution, to explain the key points of this year’s TERM report.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change

Article 15 Dec 2017

Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Tracking Europe’s progress on meeting 2020 climate and energy targets

Article 15 Dec 2017

The European Union (EU) has committed to several climate and energy targets which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost the use of renewable energy sources. How does the EEA track the progress EU Member States are making in reaching these goals? We asked Melanie Sporer, EEA expert on climate change mitigation and energy, to explain the Agency’s role in this task. She has also explained the annual progress in the latest Trends and Projections report.

Understanding and acting on the complexity of climate change Climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. Its impacts are felt across the globe, affecting people, nature and the economy. To mitigate climate change, we need to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases significantly. Translating this overall objective into concrete measures requires understanding a complex system linking emissions from different sources to national and regional impacts, global governance and potential co-benefits. The European Environment Agency strives to continuously improve the knowledge needed for designing effective measures on the ground.

Aviation and shipping emissions in focus The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its annual Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) report, which this year focused on aviation and shipping. The two sectors are growing rapidly, which also has an impact on the environment, notably emissions. We asked Anke Lükewille, EEA expert on air pollution, to explain the key points of this year’s TERM report.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Tracking Europe’s progress on meeting 2020 climate and energy targets The European Union (EU) has committed to several climate and energy targets which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost the use of renewable energy sources. How does the EEA track the progress EU Member States are making in reaching these goals? We asked Melanie Sporer, EEA expert on climate change mitigation and energy, to explain the Agency’s role in this task. She has also explained the annual progress in the latest Trends and Projections report.

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Recent trends and projections in EU greenhouse gas emissions

Publication 26 Oct 2018

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU) increased by 0.6 % in 2017, according to preliminary estimates from Member States, mostly because of road transport. Without further robust and ambitious policies and measures, those currently in place at national level will be insufficient to achieve the reduction targets set for 2030.

Trends and projections in Europe 2018

Publication 26 Oct 2018

The annual ‘Trends and projections’ report provides an assessment of the progress of the EU and European countries towards their climate mitigation and energy targets. It is based on national data for greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy consumption.

Trends and projections in the EU ETS in 2018

Publication 26 Oct 2018

The report provides an analysis of past, present and future emissions trends under the EU ETS, based on the latest data and information available from the European Commission and Member States. It also analyses the balance between supply and demand of allowances in the market. The report's annexes provide extensive material describing the functioning, scope and cap of the EU ETS.

Approximated EU GHG inventory: proxy GHG estimates for 2017

Publication 26 Oct 2018

This report provides GHG emissions estimates for the EU-28 plus Iceland for 2017. This Executive Summary includes an analysis of the important changes in GHG emissions across the EU, by sector and by Member State. Emissions for EU plus Iceland have increased by 24 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (Mt CO2-eq) or 0.6 % (total GHG emissions without LULUCF, including indirect CO2 and not including international aviation emissions).

Recent trends and projections in EU greenhouse gas emissions Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union (EU) increased by 0.6 % in 2017, according to preliminary estimates from Member States, mostly because of road transport. Without further robust and ambitious policies and measures, those currently in place at national level will be insufficient to achieve the reduction targets set for 2030.

Trends and projections in Europe 2018 The annual ‘Trends and projections’ report provides an assessment of the progress of the EU and European countries towards their climate mitigation and energy targets. It is based on national data for greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy consumption.

Trends and projections in the EU ETS in 2018 The report provides an analysis of past, present and future emissions trends under the EU ETS, based on the latest data and information available from the European Commission and Member States. It also analyses the balance between supply and demand of allowances in the market. The report's annexes provide extensive material describing the functioning, scope and cap of the EU ETS.

Approximated EU GHG inventory: proxy GHG estimates for 2017 This report provides GHG emissions estimates for the EU-28 plus Iceland for 2017. This Executive Summary includes an analysis of the important changes in GHG emissions across the EU, by sector and by Member State. Emissions for EU plus Iceland have increased by 24 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (Mt CO2-eq) or 0.6 % (total GHG emissions without LULUCF, including indirect CO2 and not including international aviation emissions).

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Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable

Video 29 Nov 2017

Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

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Change in EU's greenhouse gas emissions by sector

Data Visualization 26 Oct 2018

Member States' greenhouse gas (GHG) emission projections

Data 26 Oct 2018

The Monitoring Mechanism Regulation ((EC) No 525/2013) requires Member States to report national projections of anthropogenic GHG emissions. Every two years, each EU Member State shall report GHG projections in a ‘with existing measures’ scenario for the years 2020, 2025, 2030 and 2035, by gas (or group of gases) and by sector. National projections shall take into consideration any policies and measures adopted at Union level. The reported data are quality checked by the EEA and its European Topic Centre for Air Pollution and Climate Change Mitigation (ETC/ACM).

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

Data 11 Sep 2018

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.

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) data viewer

Dashboard (Tableau) 10 Jul 2018

The EU ETS data viewer provides an easy access to emission trading data contained in the European Union Transaction Log (EUTL). The EUTL is a central transaction log, run by the European Commission, which checks and records all transactions taking place within the trading system. The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data by country, by main activity type and by year on the verified emissions, allowances and surrendered units of the more than 12 000 stationary installations reporting under the EU emission trading system, as well as 1400 aircraft operators.

Emissions and supply of fluorinated greenhouse gases

Indicator Assessment 06 Jul 2018

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) are amongst the most powerful greenhouse gases, with a global warming effect up to 23 000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) account for 85 % of present F-gases supply. They are used primarily as refrigerants in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment. Foam blowing and aerosols are other important uses of HFCs. The other F-gases are perfluorocarbons (PFCs), mainly used as a protective gas in electrical equipment and as etching agents in electronics manufacture, as well as sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF 3 ). As part of its actions to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union is phasing down the use of HFCs. The supply of F-gases to the EU, measured in CO2 equivalents, has been overall decreasing since 2010 (HFC imports were extraordinarily high in 2014, prior to the EU-wide HFC phase-down coming into effect in 2015). Since 2015, the EU has complied with its annual targets under the EU F-Gas Regulation 517/2014 and is approaching the HFC consumption limit, which comes into effect in 2019 under the Montreal Protocol. Emissions of F-gases mainly occur by means of leakage of gases contained in products or equipment, or at the end of the lifetime of the product/equipment, where contained F-gases are not fully recovered and destroyed or re-used. Therefore, most applications of F-gases are characterised by a significant time lag between the supply of F-gases to their industrial uses and their emissions. For the first time in 2015, a decrease in the EU emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) reported under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was observed, following 13 years of increases.

Average CO2 emissions from newly registered motor vehicles

Indicator Assessment 11 Jun 2018

Despite a small increase in annual average CO 2 emissions from passenger cars in 2017, new cars are becoming more efficient. The average car sold in 2017 was almost 16 % more efficient than the average car sold in 2010. Average annual CO 2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles (vans) continued to decrease in 2017. The average van sold in 2017 was 13 % more efficient than one sold in 2012, when Regulation (EU) 510/2011 came in to force. The new 'Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure' (WLTP) was introduced in September 2017. It is anticipated that it will decrease the divergence between laboratory test and real world emissions.

Average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars sold in EU-28 Member States plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland in 2016

Figure 12 Apr 2018

The maps reports the average CO2 emissions (g CO2/km) from new passenger cars registered in 2016 by country.

Economic losses per km2

Figure 28 Feb 2018

Overall ambition level of national targets for primary and final energy consumption in 2020

Figure 28 Nov 2017

Taken together the figure shows that the sum of all individual 2020 targets from Member States’ for their primary energy consumption add up to an overall EU level which remains 3 % higher than the target defined for the EU under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). For final energy consumption, the sum of Member States individual targets is by 0.3 % higher than the reduction level defined in the EED.

Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015

Figure 28 Nov 2017

The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.

Range of life-cycle CO2 emissions for different vehicle and fuel types

Infographic 29 Aug 2017

Energy and mitigating climate change

Infographic 29 Aug 2017

Change in EU's greenhouse gas emissions by sector

Member States' greenhouse gas (GHG) emission projections The Monitoring Mechanism Regulation ((EC) No 525/2013) requires Member States to report national projections of anthropogenic GHG emissions. Every two years, each EU Member State shall report GHG projections in a ‘with existing measures’ scenario for the years 2020, 2025, 2030 and 2035, by gas (or group of gases) and by sector. National projections shall take into consideration any policies and measures adopted at Union level. The reported data are quality checked by the EEA and its European Topic Centre for Air Pollution and Climate Change Mitigation (ETC/ACM).

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.

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) data viewer The EU ETS data viewer provides an easy access to emission trading data contained in the European Union Transaction Log (EUTL). The EUTL is a central transaction log, run by the European Commission, which checks and records all transactions taking place within the trading system. The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data by country, by main activity type and by year on the verified emissions, allowances and surrendered units of the more than 12 000 stationary installations reporting under the EU emission trading system, as well as 1400 aircraft operators.

Emissions and supply of fluorinated greenhouse gases Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) are amongst the most powerful greenhouse gases, with a global warming effect up to 23 000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) account for 85 % of present F-gases supply. They are used primarily as refrigerants in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment. Foam blowing and aerosols are other important uses of HFCs. The other F-gases are perfluorocarbons (PFCs), mainly used as a protective gas in electrical equipment and as etching agents in electronics manufacture, as well as sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF 3 ). As part of its actions to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union is phasing down the use of HFCs. The supply of F-gases to the EU, measured in CO2 equivalents, has been overall decreasing since 2010 (HFC imports were extraordinarily high in 2014, prior to the EU-wide HFC phase-down coming into effect in 2015). Since 2015, the EU has complied with its annual targets under the EU F-Gas Regulation 517/2014 and is approaching the HFC consumption limit, which comes into effect in 2019 under the Montreal Protocol. Emissions of F-gases mainly occur by means of leakage of gases contained in products or equipment, or at the end of the lifetime of the product/equipment, where contained F-gases are not fully recovered and destroyed or re-used. Therefore, most applications of F-gases are characterised by a significant time lag between the supply of F-gases to their industrial uses and their emissions. For the first time in 2015, a decrease in the EU emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) reported under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was observed, following 13 years of increases.

Average CO2 emissions from newly registered motor vehicles Despite a small increase in annual average CO 2 emissions from passenger cars in 2017, new cars are becoming more efficient. The average car sold in 2017 was almost 16 % more efficient than the average car sold in 2010. Average annual CO 2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles (vans) continued to decrease in 2017. The average van sold in 2017 was 13 % more efficient than one sold in 2012, when Regulation (EU) 510/2011 came in to force. The new 'Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure' (WLTP) was introduced in September 2017. It is anticipated that it will decrease the divergence between laboratory test and real world emissions.

Average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars sold in EU-28 Member States plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland in 2016 The maps reports the average CO2 emissions (g CO2/km) from new passenger cars registered in 2016 by country.

Economic losses per km2

Overall ambition level of national targets for primary and final energy consumption in 2020 Taken together the figure shows that the sum of all individual 2020 targets from Member States’ for their primary energy consumption add up to an overall EU level which remains 3 % higher than the target defined for the EU under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). For final energy consumption, the sum of Member States individual targets is by 0.3 % higher than the reduction level defined in the EED.

Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015 The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.

Range of life-cycle CO2 emissions for different vehicle and fuel types

Energy and mitigating climate change

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Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015

Figure 28 Nov 2017

The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.