EU CO2 emissions are falling but zero-emission goals remain distant; Italy and Spain show varied progress.
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EU CO2 emissions have decreased over the last decade, though the goal of zero emissions remains distant. In 2023, EU greenhouse gas emissions fell by 7% compared to 2022 and 18% compared to 2013. Energy supply (electricity, gas, steam, air conditioning) saw the largest decline at 43%. Other sectors with significant reductions include extractive activities (-25%), services (-20%), and manufacturing (-17%); transportation and storage increased by 14%. Emission intensity decreased by 32% from 2013 to 2023, indicating economic growth alongside emission reduction. In Italy, emissions have fallen by about a fifth over 32 years due to renewables and reduced fossil fuel use, but recent increases in the transport sector are counteracting this trend. The European Parliament’s Climate Law aims for at least a 55% net greenhouse gas reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Spain has made significant progress, with emissions falling below 1990 levels in 2023, driven largely by renewable energy adoption (56% of the mix in 2024) and low-emission zones in cities. Regional differences exist in Spain, with some areas increasing emissions. Austria also shows a positive trend, with greenhouse gas emissions falling in 2023; the construction sector reduced emissions by about 20%, and major industries like Voestalpine are implementing decarbonization plans. While progress is evident across Europe, continued acceleration of efforts is necessary to meet climate neutrality goals.
