In 2023, the European Union recorded a significant drop in its greenhouse gas emissions, reaching 8.3% compared to the previous year. This decrease constitutes the largest annual reduction in decades, with the exception of 2020, a year marked by restrictions linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a 9.8% drop in emissions. The European Commission welcomed this progress, highlighting the role of renewable energies and energy savings in this performance.
The causes of the drop in emissions
The European Commission attributes this reduction largely to the rise of renewable energy, particularly wind turbines and solar panels, as well as a reduction in dependence on coal. In 2023, renewable energies represented 44.7% of the Union's total electricity production, while production from fossil fuels decreased by 19.7% in gigawatts (GW). Nuclear production, for its part, increased by 1.2% and represented 22.8% of electricity produced in the EU.
The Commission also observed a 24% drop in emissions from electricity production and heating compared to 2022. This change is part of a transition towards more sustainable energy consumption, with a constant increase in the share of renewable energies, which increased from 10.2% in 2005 to 24% in 2023 in overall energy consumption.
Disparities between Member States
The EU's energy mix varies significantly between countries, with some member states further along in their energy transition than others. This diversity poses a challenge for the Union, which aims to reduce its emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Currently, the Union's net emissions have decreased by 37% per year. compared to 1990, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). However, to achieve the targets set, the EEA says states will need to implement additional measures to approach a 49% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Challenges posed by the transport sector
Despite this progress, the transport sector, in particular aviation, continued to increase its emissions in 2023. Emissions from the aviation sector increased by 9.5%, marking a continuous recovery since the post- pandemic. This sector represents a significant challenge for reducing emissions, especially as demand for air transport remains strong within the Union.
EU ambitions and political obstacles
To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the EU plans to reduce its emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels by 2040, a target that the European Commission will submit for negotiation with the various stakeholders. However, these ambitions encounter political resistance, notably from the European People's Party (EPP), which fears the impact of these measures on households and businesses. EPP MEP Peter Liese has already voiced his concerns, saying discussions will be needed to assess the feasibility of these targets.
The recent surge of right-wing and far-right parties in the European elections has also raised concerns among non-governmental organizations (NGOs), who fear a challenge to the EU's climate ambitions. Nevertheless, the Union remains determined to pursue its energy transition strategy, despite the political and economic challenges it faces.
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