The European Union's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), shows that emissions have not only continued their downward trend in 2008, but have also picked up pace. Emissions from the 27 member states stood 11.3 % below their 1990 levels, which is over half way to the target of a 20% reduction by 2020.
Whilst this is an encouraging sign, it seems likely that this reduction is a result of a range of factors, not all of which will give a lasting reduction. So, as well as the impact of increased renewable technology and a growig awareness of green behaviour, factors thought to affect the level of GHG emissions included:
the high price of coal, accompanied by a drop in natural gas prices, encouraged heat and electricity suppliers to switch to gas.
the economic recession, which particularly affected emissions from manufacturing and construction, and road transport sectors
high oil prices also had a knock on effect on transport emissions.
Of course, a reduction is a reduction, wherever it comes from. But if we do not take this opportunity to build on these gains, then we are likely to see them reversed by an economic recovery or a fall in the price of coal and/ or oil. Nonetheless, these figures do show the possibility of affecting a real change by a mixture of behavioural change (e.g. driving less) and a change in the energy mix. This should give real hope for delivering sustained reductions as part of a long-term strategy for sustainability.
For the full story, see: http://www.eea.europa.eu/pressroom/newsreleases/eu-greenhouse-gas-emissions-more