In 2023, France recordsone of the most significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions after 2020, the year of Covid and 2014 which was marked by a particularly mild winter. This decline represents no less than 22.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent less compared to 2022. The latest available data show for the first time a decline in all major emitting sectors such as transport, industry and even transport. ‘agriculture.
In Lorraine, GHG emissions amount to 21 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2021according to the latest data available at the local level. Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle concentrate the vast majority of these discharges with proportions reaching 40% and 31% respectively.
29% for industry and energy
The leading emitter of greenhouse gases in Lorraine is industry. Combined with energy, this sector accounts for 29% of emissions in this territory. This figure even rises to 36% in Meurthe-et-Moselle, ahead of the Meuse (26%).
It is at Heming en Moselle that we perceive the strongest emanations linked to industry. The Eqiom cement plant is located in this town, an industry that emits a lot of CO2. In second position, we find Dombasle-sur-Meurthe (Meurthe-et-Moselle) with Solvay and finally Xeuilley (Vosges) also with its cement factory.
22% for road traffic
The leading emitter nationally, road traffic comes in second position in Lorraine with 22% of emissions. With the map by municipality we locate the A31 in its crossings of the Vosges, Meurthe-et-Moselle and the Moselle. We observe the route of the A4 in the Meuse and the Moselle.
Compared to the surface area of the territories, emissions reach peaks in certain municipalities. On the German border near Forbach, Rosbruck records the largest emissions linked to road traffic per km2. This town is crossed by the N3 and the A320. We also see strong emissions in Betting near Freyming Merlebach and in Mey in the Metz metropolitan area.
Emissions in this sector are generally decreasing. We can observe short-term effects with the increase in fuel prices. In the medium and long term, it is the renewal of the vehicle fleet with electric vehicles that has an effect. Another impact is the evolution of habits linked to mobility with carpooling or cycling.
20% for residential
The residential sector accounts for 20% of emissions. They mainly come from the use of fossil fuels for heating. Relative to the surface area of each territory, the municipalities of Nancy, Saint-Max and Montigny-lès-Metz are among those where this problem is most marked.
Nationally, greenhouse gases associated with this sector have reached their lowest level since 1990. This development can be explained by several factors: inflation, rising energy prices, colder winters. lenient conditions and behavioral changes promoting better energy sobriety.
18% for agriculture
Agriculture represents 18% of emissions linked to human activities. At the local level, the municipalities of Neufvillage and Saint-Jean-Kourtzerode in Moselle, as well as Nonzeville in the Vosges, display the highest concentrations in this area.
The reduction in this agricultural impact is explained by the reduction of two main gases: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), resulting from the use of organic and mineral fertilizers, and methane (CH4) linked to cattle and pig herds.
