Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
GHG emissions in the EU - Statistics & Facts
The European Union is estimated to have caused 10 percent of global warming since 1850. It is also the world’s fourth-largest greenhouse gas emitter and responsible for around 17 percent of historical global carbon dioxide emissions. Nevertheless, the EU has been a world leader in cutting emissions in recent decades. Between 1990 and 2023, EU emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) fell by roughly 35 percent, while its GDP grew by more than 70 percent over the same period. The EU now has its sights set on becoming the world’s first major economy to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050, but can it deliver?
The energy supply industry has played a crucial role in reducing EU-wide emissions, with GHG levels from this sector falling by more than 40 percent since 1990. These reductions have primarily been driven by the continued growth in renewable energy shares, the shift away from coal and gas use, and improvements in power plant efficiency. Despite these notable emission reductions, the energy supply sector remains the largest source of GHG emissions in the EU. In comparison, emissions from domestic transportation – the second-highest emitting sector - have seen little improvement during this same period, with road vehicles now the single-largest emitters in the EU. Road transportation is one of only three major segments that have observed CO₂ emissions growth since 1990.
The EU has made good progress in cutting emissions over the past decades, and is outperforming other major economies with regard to decarbonization efforts. However, it is currently at risk of missing its 2030 emissions reduction target, meaning more decisive action will be needed to ensure it can be met.
GHG emissions reductions in the EU
In 2023, total net GHG emissions in the EU decreased by eight percent year-on-year to 2.9 billion metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (GtCO₂e). This was the largest annual percentage drop in decades and represented an overall reduction of 37 percent relative to 1990 levels. Further reductions are projected to have occurred in 2024, with CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels estimated to have dropped three percent that year.The energy supply industry has played a crucial role in reducing EU-wide emissions, with GHG levels from this sector falling by more than 40 percent since 1990. These reductions have primarily been driven by the continued growth in renewable energy shares, the shift away from coal and gas use, and improvements in power plant efficiency. Despite these notable emission reductions, the energy supply sector remains the largest source of GHG emissions in the EU. In comparison, emissions from domestic transportation – the second-highest emitting sector - have seen little improvement during this same period, with road vehicles now the single-largest emitters in the EU. Road transportation is one of only three major segments that have observed CO₂ emissions growth since 1990.
Pathway to a carbon neutral future
On its path to achieving net zero by mid-century, the EU aims to reduce its net GHG emissions by 55 percent by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. An additional target of 90 percent reductions by 2040 relative to 1990 has also been recommended. The bloc aims to achieve these goals through a multi-faceted approach, including the increased use of renewable energy generation, shifting to electric and other low-emission transportation modes, and utilizing innovative technologies such as carbon capture and renewable hydrogen to address carbon-intensive industries. The EU-ETS, a cornerstone of the bloc’s decarbonization efforts, will also be expanded to introduce a separate system. Expected to become fully operational in 2027, the EU-ETS2 will cover CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion in buildings, road transportation, and additional sectors.The EU has made good progress in cutting emissions over the past decades, and is outperforming other major economies with regard to decarbonization efforts. However, it is currently at risk of missing its 2030 emissions reduction target, meaning more decisive action will be needed to ensure it can be met.
