At COP29 in Baku, the European Commission has launched a new roadmap for a methane reduction partnership to further accelerate the reduction of methane emissions associated with fossil energy production and consumption, in collaboration with partner countries, the International Energy Agency and a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This new roadmap provides a blueprint for […]
Climate report shows the largest annual drop in EU greenhouse gas emissions for decades
EU greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8.3% in 2023, compared to 2022, reveals the latest climate action progress report by the European Commission. The report states that net greenhouse gas emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels. Over the same period, EU Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 68%. This points to the fact that reducing emissions and economic growth are compatible. […]
MEPs back boost for renewables use and energy savings
Share of renewable energy to be raised to 45% by 2030 Energy savings targets raised to 40% in final energy consumption, and 42.5% in primary energy consumption Revision of two laws to tackle climate change and boost energy security The Industry, Research and Energy Committee wants to accelerate substantially the deployment of renewable energy, and […]
Circularity can enhance greenhouse gas emission savings when renovating Europe’s buildings
Building renovation is a key contributor to improving energy efficiency and to achieving a climate neutral European Union (EU) by 2050. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing investigates how circular economy principles can enhance the benefits of building renovation. It finds that, through 2050, circularity can significantly reduce the use of materials and contribute significant […]
Major drop in EU’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, official data confirms
Greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by almost 4 % in 2019, according to latest official data, published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). These data confirm the EEA’s preliminary estimates, published in October 2020. The large decline in emissions, achieved before the COVID-19 crisis, was mainly due to reduced coal […]
Delivery drones and the environment
A technology with uncertain potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from e-commerce and the logistics industry and concerns over increased noise pollution and threats to wildlife. Drones, originally developed and used for military purposes, have found applications in many civil sector areas during the last decade. Although often referred to as ‘remotely piloted aircraft systems’ or […]
Greater circularity in the buildings sector can lead to major cuts in greenhouse gas emissions
Improving efficiency and reuse of materials to construct houses and other buildings can open significant new opportunities to further reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing. The EEA briefing, ‘Cutting greenhouse gas emissions through circular economy actions in the buildings sector’, says actions like reducing the use of concrete, cement […]