Hopeful news in the fight climate change From Europe. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels in the European Union (EU) decreased by 8 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), it was at the lowest level in the last sixty years. In Spain, the rate fell to around 7.5%, according to a different study.
This was the second largest decrease recorded after that in 2020, which was affected by restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
More than half of the reduction in emissions mixture cleaner electricity, capacity increase recovery in wind and solar energy, as well as nuclear and hydropower.
The rest comes from emissions reductions in industry and transportation and a decrease in demand due to favorable weather conditions.
According to the report reported by Efe, the EU managed to reduce CO2 emissions resulting from electricity production by 25 percent last year. They dropped by half compared to 2015.
Gas-related emissions fell by 11% last year, while emissions from oil fell by 2%, according to the Helsinki-based institute.
CREA obtains its data from official bodies such as the community statistical office Eurostat, the European Network of Gas Transmission System Administrators and the European Network of Electricity Transmission System Administrators.
“More investment in infrastructure and technology Renewable energy, including wind, solar, hydroelectric and other clean energy sources “CREA will help to continuously reduce CO2 emissions.”
CREA underlined that the commitment to renewable energy sources will also reduce the EU’s dependence on oil-producing states.
7.5% decrease in Spain
Spain also contributed decisively to this decline in emissions last year.
The rise of renewable energies in our country enabled us to close the year 2023 with the historical minimum greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 271.6 million tons of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2-eq). 7.5% less than the previous year, When 283.8 MtCO2-eq was recorded. According to a study by the Basque Center for Climate Change (BC3) and the Observatory for Energy Transition and Climate Action (OTEA), this is a “positive outcome” in progress towards decarbonising the Spanish economy and combating climate change. ).
“Moreover, This decline occurred in a year when gross domestic product (GDP) grew by more than 2%. This means that emissions “continue to fall intensively”, the study’s conclusion titled ‘Improved greenhouse gas emissions in Spain to 2023’ states.
Greenhouse gas emissions in Spain at the end of 2023 The minimum level of the historical series that started in 1990 is even below 2020They fell by 12% as mobility and economic activity were heavily conditioned by the pandemic. They also fell below 1990 levels for the first time; 5.6% less.
Despite this, while Spain’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) has a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23% in 2030 compared to 1990, it is recommended to increase this target further in the update of the plan prepared this year. Up to 32%. The study by BC3 and OTEA states that “There is therefore still a long way to go in the next 7 years” and that “more sustainable emission reduction rates over time” will be needed.
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