Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU fell 4.1% in 2014 bringing the cumulative drop since 1990 to 24.4%, according to data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The figures, which come from the EU’s annual GHG inventory submitted to the UN, show emissions have decreased by 1383 million tonnes since 1990 to 4282 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2014.
EEA said the reduction was due to several factors, including the growing share in the use of renewables, the use of less carbon intensive fuels and improvements in energy efficiency, as well as to structural changes in the economy and the economic recession.
Demand for energy to heat households has also been lower, as Europe on average has experienced milder winters since 1990 has also helped reduce emissions.
The fall in emissions was accompanied by a 47% increase in gross domestic product, EEA said.
EEA executive director Hans Bruyninckx said: “To accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to further boost our investments in technology and innovation aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.”
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