EU CO2 emissions from energy decreased in 2016

Eurostat estimates that in 2016 carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion decreased by 0.4% in the EU, compared with the previous year. CO₂ emissions are a major contributor to global warming and account for around 80% of all EU greenhouse gas emissions. They are influenced by factors such as climate conditions, economic growth, size of the population, transport and industrial activities. Various EU energy efficiency initiatives aim to reduce emissions of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.

This information on early estimates of CO₂ emissions from energy use for 2016 is published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

The largest falls in CO₂ emissions were in Malta and Bulgaria, and the highest increases in Finland and Cyprus. According to Eurostat estimates, CO2 emissions rose in 2016 in a majority of EU Member States, with the highest increase being recorded in Finland (+8.5%), followed by Cyprus (+7.0%), Slovenia (+5.8%) and Denmark (+5.7%). Decreases were registered in eleven Member States, notably in Malta (-18.2%), Bulgaria (-7.0%), Portugal (-5.7%) and the United Kingdom (-4.8%).

Press release

Eurostat

Energy efficiency

Source: European Commission – Energy News
EU CO2 emissions from energy decreased in 2016