Climate change mitigation

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Climate change is already happening: temperatures are rising, drought and wild fires are starting to occur more frequently, rainfall patterns are shifting, glaciers and snow are melting, and the global mean sea level is rising. Most of the warming is very likely due to the observed increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations as a result of emissions from human activities. To mitigate climate change, we must reduce or prevent these emissions. More

Key facts and messages: Scientific understanding of the interaction between air pollution and climate change has improved over the last two decades. In particular, there has been a greater realisation that some air pollutants also act as short-term drivers of global... more; The EU aims to decarbonise its energy system and cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 95% by 2050. To achieve this goal, it has set a binding target of reducing emissions by at least 40% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Further efforts... more; Adaptation to the observed and projected impacts in coming decades is needed, complementary to global climate mitigation actions. The EU strategy on adaptation to climate change supports national adaptation strategies and other actions in countries... more; Although air pollutants and greenhouse gases often come from the same sources, international agreements generally treat them separately. One way that European policy seeks to connect climate and air quality policies is through the inclusion... more; EU greenhouse gas emissions have been decreasing and are now 19% below 1990 levels. Latest data confirm that the EU is on track to overachieve its 2020 target of a 20% reduction compared to 1990 levels. more; The risks of pervasive and irreversible impacts are expected to increase. They could, however, be reduced by further emissions abatement and adaptation measures, building on past actions in Europe and internationally. Key risks for Europe include... more; The majority of European Union Member States expect to meet their individual emission targets for the non-trading sectors under the Effort Sharing Decision. However, for 14 countries, additional measures are needed to bring emissions below the... more; Almost all European countries with an individual greenhouse gas limitation or reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol are on track towards achieving their targets. more

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Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing

News 31 May 2018

Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

New vans sold in Europe in 2017: large decrease in annual average CO2 emissions

News 17 May 2018

Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new vans registered in the European Union (EU) in 2017 were 4.7% lower than in 2016, according to preliminary data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). This is the highest annual reduction reported since the regulation to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles came into force in 2011.

No improvements on average CO2 emissions from new cars in 2017

News 23 Apr 2018

Efforts to improve the fuel efficiency of new cars sold in the European Union (EU) stalled in 2017 compared to 2016, according to provisional data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). While past years have seen steady declines, new passenger cars registered in 2017 emitted on average 0.4 grammes (g) of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre more than in 2016.

Tax breaks and incentives make Europeans buy cleaner cars

News 12 Apr 2018

Emissions of carbon dioxide from new passenger cars have dropped in a number of European countries where a range of taxes, subsidies and other incentives are used to encourage consumers to purchase lower-carbon-dioxide (CO2) emitting vehicles. The number of countries offering incentives for electric vehicles in particular, continues to grow, according to European Environment Agency (EEA) data published today. At the same time, emissions from trucks and buses are expected to increase further if new measures are not taken.

Small cut in EU's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016 but transport emissions keep increasing Total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) decreased by 0.4 % in 2016, according to latest official data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Using less coal to produce heat and electricity was enough to make a slight cut in total emissions despite an increase in transport emissions for the third consecutive year.

New vans sold in Europe in 2017: large decrease in annual average CO2 emissions Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new vans registered in the European Union (EU) in 2017 were 4.7% lower than in 2016, according to preliminary data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). This is the highest annual reduction reported since the regulation to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles came into force in 2011.

No improvements on average CO2 emissions from new cars in 2017 Efforts to improve the fuel efficiency of new cars sold in the European Union (EU) stalled in 2017 compared to 2016, according to provisional data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). While past years have seen steady declines, new passenger cars registered in 2017 emitted on average 0.4 grammes (g) of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre more than in 2016.

Tax breaks and incentives make Europeans buy cleaner cars Emissions of carbon dioxide from new passenger cars have dropped in a number of European countries where a range of taxes, subsidies and other incentives are used to encourage consumers to purchase lower-carbon-dioxide (CO2) emitting vehicles. The number of countries offering incentives for electric vehicles in particular, continues to grow, according to European Environment Agency (EEA) data published today. At the same time, emissions from trucks and buses are expected to increase further if new measures are not taken.

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Aviation and shipping emissions in focus

Article 15 Mar 2018

The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its annual Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) report, which this year focused on aviation and shipping. The two sectors are growing rapidly, which also has an impact on the environment, notably emissions. We asked Anke Lükewille, EEA expert on air pollution, to explain the key points of this year’s TERM report.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change

Article 15 Dec 2017

Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Tracking Europe’s progress on meeting 2020 climate and energy targets

Article 15 Dec 2017

The European Union (EU) has committed to several climate and energy targets which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost the use of renewable energy sources. How does the EEA track the progress EU Member States are making in reaching these goals? We asked Melanie Sporer, EEA expert on climate change mitigation and energy, to explain the Agency’s role in this task. She has also explained the annual progress in the latest Trends and Projections report.

Driving to an electric future?

Article 29 Aug 2017

A quiet change is under way on European roads. The use of electric vehicles is projected to take off across Europe. It is a move that could help pave the way to a greener road transport system, but one that could pose challenges in meeting energy demand and investing in relevant infrastructure.

Aviation and shipping emissions in focus The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its annual Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) report, which this year focused on aviation and shipping. The two sectors are growing rapidly, which also has an impact on the environment, notably emissions. We asked Anke Lükewille, EEA expert on air pollution, to explain the key points of this year’s TERM report.

Cleaner air benefits human health and climate change Thanks to legislation, technology and moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels in many countries, Europe’s air quality has been improving in recent decades. However, many people continue to be negatively affected by air pollution, especially in cities. Given its complexity, tackling air pollution requires taking coordinated action at many levels. To get citizens involved, providing them timely information in an accessible way is essential. Our recently launched Air Quality Index does just that. Improvements in air quality would not only benefit our health, but could also help tackle climate change.

Tracking Europe’s progress on meeting 2020 climate and energy targets The European Union (EU) has committed to several climate and energy targets which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost the use of renewable energy sources. How does the EEA track the progress EU Member States are making in reaching these goals? We asked Melanie Sporer, EEA expert on climate change mitigation and energy, to explain the Agency’s role in this task. She has also explained the annual progress in the latest Trends and Projections report.

Driving to an electric future? A quiet change is under way on European roads. The use of electric vehicles is projected to take off across Europe. It is a move that could help pave the way to a greener road transport system, but one that could pose challenges in meeting energy demand and investing in relevant infrastructure.

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Annual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2016 and inventory report 2018

Publication 31 May 2018

Submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat

Trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU in 2016

Publication 31 May 2018

Official data for 2016 confirm the long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across Europe. This briefing describes the key trends in EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on national submissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also includes an analysis of the main drivers underpinning these trends.

Appropriate taxes and incentives do affect purchases of new cars

Publication 12 Apr 2018

Financial incentives set by Member States, such as taxes, can drive reductions in average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars in Europe. This briefing describes how these measures affect the sales of vehicles with lower CO2 emissions and examines the extent to which differences in average CO2 emissions between countries may be attributable to differences in the taxation and incentives systems in place.

Aviation and shipping — impacts on Europe's environment TERM 2017

Publication 31 Jan 2018

Domestic and international aviation and shipping are key components of Europe's mobility system. They are both economic sectors that directly bring many societal and economic benefits, such as the delivery of a wide range of goods and services and provision of employment and mobility for personal leisure or business purposes. However, from the broader environmental perspective, both sectors are also seen as challenging, because increasing demand within each of the sectors is exerting increasing pressures on the environment and climate. Their joint consideration in this TERM 2017 report also reflects key similarities, opportunities and challenges between them.

Annual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2016 and inventory report 2018 Submission to the UNFCCC Secretariat

Trends and drivers in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU in 2016 Official data for 2016 confirm the long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across Europe. This briefing describes the key trends in EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on national submissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also includes an analysis of the main drivers underpinning these trends.

Appropriate taxes and incentives do affect purchases of new cars Financial incentives set by Member States, such as taxes, can drive reductions in average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars in Europe. This briefing describes how these measures affect the sales of vehicles with lower CO2 emissions and examines the extent to which differences in average CO2 emissions between countries may be attributable to differences in the taxation and incentives systems in place.

Aviation and shipping — impacts on Europe's environment TERM 2017 Domestic and international aviation and shipping are key components of Europe's mobility system. They are both economic sectors that directly bring many societal and economic benefits, such as the delivery of a wide range of goods and services and provision of employment and mobility for personal leisure or business purposes. However, from the broader environmental perspective, both sectors are also seen as challenging, because increasing demand within each of the sectors is exerting increasing pressures on the environment and climate. Their joint consideration in this TERM 2017 report also reflects key similarities, opportunities and challenges between them.

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Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable

Video 29 Nov 2017

Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

Shaping the future of energy in Europe - Clean, smart and renewable Our quality of life depends, among other things, on a reliable supply of energy at an affordable price. We still burn fossil fuels to obtain most of the energy we use and combustion of fossil fuels affects us all in one way or another. It releases air pollutants into the atmosphere and harms our health. It also releases greenhouse gases and contributes to climate change. We are at a critical decision point in time: the negative impacts of our current energy choices on the one hand, and the opportunities that clean energy sources offer on the other. Signals 2017 looks into Europe’s transition towards clean, smart and renewable energy.

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Average carbon dioxide emissions from new vans

Data Visualization 11 Jun 2018

Average carbon dioxide emissions from new passenger cars

Data Visualization 11 Jun 2018

Average CO2 emissions from newly registered motor vehicles

Indicator Assessment 11 Jun 2018

Despite a small increase in annual average CO 2 emissions from passenger cars in 2017, new cars are becoming more efficient. The average car sold in 2017 was almost 16 % more efficient than the average car sold in 2010. Average annual CO 2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles (vans) continued to decrease in 2017. The average van sold in 2017 was 13 % more efficient than one sold in 2012, when Regulation (EU) 510/2011 came in to force. The new 'Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure' (WLTP) was introduced in September 2017. It is anticipated that it will decrease the divergence between laboratory test and real world emissions.

National emissions reported to the UNFCCC and to the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism

Data 31 May 2018

Data on greenhouse gas emissions and removals, sent by countries to UNFCCC and the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism (EU Member States). This data set reflects the GHG inventory data for 2018 as reported under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change.

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL

Data 30 May 2018

Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars sold in EU-28 Member States plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland in 2016

Figure 12 Apr 2018

The maps reports the average CO2 emissions (g CO2/km) from new passenger cars registered in 2016 by country.

Economic losses per km2

Figure 28 Feb 2018

Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations

Indicator Assessment 31 Jan 2018

Global average concentrations of various atmospheric greenhouse gases are continuing to increase. The annual average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) — the most important greenhouse gas — increased to 400 and 403 parts per million (ppm) in 2015 and 2016, respectively. This represented an increase of about 45 % compared with pre-industrial levels. The total concentration of all greenhouse gases, including cooling aerosols, reached a value of 445 ppm in CO 2 equivalents in 2015 — an increase of nearly 4 ppm compared with 2014, and 35 ppm more than in 2005. The current total concentration of all greenhouse gases implies that the long-term probability of the global average temperature exceeding 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels is already about 50 %. The atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration that would be consistent with limiting global mean temperature increase to less than 2 °C could be exceeded in the coming decades. This shows the urgency of changing the emission trend and reducing greenhouse gas emissions considerably.

Overall ambition level of national targets for primary and final energy consumption in 2020

Figure 28 Nov 2017

Taken together the figure shows that the sum of all individual 2020 targets from Member States’ for their primary energy consumption add up to an overall EU level which remains 3 % higher than the target defined for the EU under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). For final energy consumption, the sum of Member States individual targets is by 0.3 % higher than the reduction level defined in the EED.

Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015

Figure 28 Nov 2017

The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.

Range of life-cycle CO2 emissions for different vehicle and fuel types

Infographic 29 Aug 2017

Energy and mitigating climate change

Infographic 29 Aug 2017

Average carbon dioxide emissions from new vans

Average carbon dioxide emissions from new passenger cars

Average CO2 emissions from newly registered motor vehicles Despite a small increase in annual average CO 2 emissions from passenger cars in 2017, new cars are becoming more efficient. The average car sold in 2017 was almost 16 % more efficient than the average car sold in 2010. Average annual CO 2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles (vans) continued to decrease in 2017. The average van sold in 2017 was 13 % more efficient than one sold in 2012, when Regulation (EU) 510/2011 came in to force. The new 'Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure' (WLTP) was introduced in September 2017. It is anticipated that it will decrease the divergence between laboratory test and real world emissions.

National emissions reported to the UNFCCC and to the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism Data on greenhouse gas emissions and removals, sent by countries to UNFCCC and the EU Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Mechanism (EU Member States). This data set reflects the GHG inventory data for 2018 as reported under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change.

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars sold in EU-28 Member States plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland in 2016 The maps reports the average CO2 emissions (g CO2/km) from new passenger cars registered in 2016 by country.

Economic losses per km2

Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations Global average concentrations of various atmospheric greenhouse gases are continuing to increase. The annual average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) — the most important greenhouse gas — increased to 400 and 403 parts per million (ppm) in 2015 and 2016, respectively. This represented an increase of about 45 % compared with pre-industrial levels. The total concentration of all greenhouse gases, including cooling aerosols, reached a value of 445 ppm in CO 2 equivalents in 2015 — an increase of nearly 4 ppm compared with 2014, and 35 ppm more than in 2005. The current total concentration of all greenhouse gases implies that the long-term probability of the global average temperature exceeding 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels is already about 50 %. The atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration that would be consistent with limiting global mean temperature increase to less than 2 °C could be exceeded in the coming decades. This shows the urgency of changing the emission trend and reducing greenhouse gas emissions considerably.

Overall ambition level of national targets for primary and final energy consumption in 2020 Taken together the figure shows that the sum of all individual 2020 targets from Member States’ for their primary energy consumption add up to an overall EU level which remains 3 % higher than the target defined for the EU under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). For final energy consumption, the sum of Member States individual targets is by 0.3 % higher than the reduction level defined in the EED.

Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015 The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.

Range of life-cycle CO2 emissions for different vehicle and fuel types

Energy and mitigating climate change

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Gross final energy consumption (total and from renewable sources) and shares of energy from renewable sources in Member States, 2005-2015

Figure 28 Nov 2017

The bar chart shows the change in gross final energy consumption (both total and from renewables sources) and renewable energy share for the EU Member States.