EMEA > EU on course for 24% GHG cut by 2020, overachieving target -EEA

EU on course for 24% GHG cut by 2020, overachieving target -EEA

Published 13:30 on October 20, 2015  /  Last updated at 21:36 on October 20, 2015  / Ben Garside /  EMEA, EU ETS

The EU is projected to cut its GHG emissions 24% under 1990 levels by 2020, well below its legally-binding target, according to the bloc’s in-house European Environment Agency (EEA).

The EU is projected to cut its GHG emissions 24% under 1990 levels by 2020, well below its legally-binding target, according to the bloc’s in-house European Environment Agency (EEA).

Its “Trends and projections in Europe 2015” report shows EU emissions decreased by 23% between 1990 and 2014 and reached the lowest levels on record. Over the same period EU GDP rose 46%.

The agency said latest projections by member states showed that the EU is heading for a 24% reduction by 2020 with current measures in place, which rises to a 25% reduction with the additional measures being planned.

“Europe’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy have resulted in concrete gains,” said EEA executive director Hans Bruyninckx in a statement.

The EEA also published a technical report on emissions trends under the EU ETS.

By Ben Garside – ben@carbon-pulse.com