The EU is on track to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 24% below 1990 levels by 2020, well ahead of the region’s 20% target, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The Trends and projections in Europe 2015 report reveals that EU GHG emissions decreased by 23% between 1990 and 2014.
Latest projections by member states show that the EU is heading for a 24% reduction by 2020 with current measures in place, and a 25% reduction with additional measures already being planned in member states, the EEA said.
The EU has set a 2030 goal of reducing emissions by at least 40%.
The EEA report says estimates for 2014 GHG emissions show a drop of 4% compared with 2013 levels.
“This was partly due to an unusually warm year, which lowered energy demand. This means the EU’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions were 23% below 1990 levels in 2014,” the EEA said.
It added that GHG reductions are projected to continue beyond 2020 but at a slower pace.
Planned reductions are estimated to bring emissions between 27% – with current measures – and 30% – with additional measures already being planned by member states – below 1990 levels by 2030.
“New policies will therefore need to be put in place to meet the 40% reduction target by 2030,” the report said.
EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete said: “These results speak for themselves: Europe succeeded in cutting emissions by 23% between 1990 and 2014 while the European economy grew by 46% over the same period.
“This is a strong signal ahead of the Paris climate conference that Europe stands by its commitments and that our climate and energy policies work. And we have already taken the first steps towards implementing our Paris pledge with new proposals presented earlier this year.”
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