In the first quarter of 2024, the EU economy's greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 894 million tonnes of CO2-equivalents (CO2-eq), marking a 4.0% decrease from the same quarter in 2023, which recorded 931 million tonnes of CO2-eq. During this period, the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP) remained stable with a slight growth of 0.3%.
This information is derived from Eurostat's quarterly estimates for greenhouse gas emissions by economic activity, which complement quarterly socio-economic data like GDP and employment.
The sectors showing the most significant emissions reductions in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023 were electricity and gas supply (-12.6%) and households (-4.4%).
Emissions Down in 20 EU Countries
In Q1 2024, greenhouse gas emissions decreased in 20 EU countries compared to the same quarter in 2023. Bulgaria led the reductions (-15.2%), followed by Germany (-6.7%) and Belgium (-6.0%).
Among the 20 countries with reduced emissions, eight also saw a decline in GDP (Czechia, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, and Finland). Conversely, the other 12 countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, and Croatia) decreased emissions while achieving economic growth.
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