Poland’s greenhouse gas emissions trend and comparison with EU neighbors are analyzed, highlighting sectoral changes and climate goals.
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Poland’s greenhouse gas emissions peaked in 2017 and 2018 at 408.5 million tonnes of $\text{CO}_2$ equivalent, with overall trends showing a slight initial decrease followed by growth from 2014 to the peak. Experts attribute this rise initially to economic recovery, noting a temporary dip during COVID-19, but emissions have been decreasing systematically since 2021 due to reduced use of fossil fuels and decreased production in sectors like steel, chemicals, and cement. Transport saw the largest increase (33.9%) between 2013 and 2023, while energy production saw a significant decrease (33.5%) from limiting coal burning. Waste emissions also fell by 41.6% due to improved waste management. Domestic heating and housing emissions decreased by 28.8%. Key sectors needing focus for climate neutrality include energy, transport, and residential/communal use. Poland’s per capita emissions in 2022 were above the EU average, placing it fifth among member states. Other countries showed varying trends; Lithuania reduced emissions across most sectors except agriculture, while Czechia saw its total emissions drop below 100 million tonnes for the first time since 1990. Austria also reported a decrease in emissions in 2023, with Vienna showing better results than industrial regions like Upper Austria.
