The document deals with the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) by economic activity in the period 2012 to 2022. It focuses on how data from emission accounts can be used to understanding the relationship between emissions and the economic activities that generate them, and what insights can be gained by combining emissions data with economic indicators such as gross value added and employment.

Main trends in greenhouse gas emissions

Between 2012 and 2022 most economic activities in the EU have reduced their greenhouse gas emissionsThe exceptions were the sectors agriculture, construction and transport, which recorded relatively stable emissions.

• The most significant emission reduction (by more than 30 %) was achieved by suppliers of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning. This reduction was mainly due to the transition from coal-fired heat and electricity production to renewable energy sources.
• Emissions from households have also decreased, but to a lesser extent than economic producers. These emissions come mainly from heating and cooling homes, private vehicle transport and other energy consumption.
• IN transportation The steady increase in transport volumes, especially road freight transport, was offset by investments in low-carbon technologies.

Analysis of emissions in the context of the economy

The document emphasizes the importance decoupling economic activity from greenhouse gas emissions with the aim of achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions are compared with economic data such as gross value added and employment to identify areas where policy action is needed.

Greenhouse gas emission intensity, which expresses the amount of emissions per unit of gross value added, is reduced by 27 % between 2012 and 2022This reduction was due to a 15% decrease in emissions and an 18% increase in gross value added. The most significant reductions in emissions intensity were recorded in Malta, Ireland and Estonia.

The paper analyses in detail the case of Ireland, which has seen one of the most dramatic declines in emissions intensity. While emissions from agriculture in Ireland have increased slightly, gross value added in the sector has doubled over the decade, leading to a significant decline in emissions intensity.

Greenhouse gas emissions and employment

The document also analyses trends in greenhouse gas emissions. with regard to employment in various economic activities, with the aim of ensuring a just green transition.

Emission intensity relative to employment in the EU between 2012 and 2022 decreased by 20 %, representing a decrease from 10.6 kg to 8.4 kg of emissions per hour worked. The most significant improvements in this area were recorded in Malta, Estonia and Greece.

Data sources and context

The document is based on data from Eurostat's Emission Accounts (AEA), which are part of the System of Environmental Accounts. These accounts serve to integrating economic and environmental data to assess how the environment contributes to the economy and how economic activities affect the environment.

Greenhouse gas emissions include emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorinated gases. Each greenhouse gas has a different potential to cause global warming and is used to compare them. global warming potential (GWP).

The document draws attention to differences between data from emission inventories and emission accountsWhile inventories attribute emissions to the place where they occur, emissions accounts attribute them to the country where the company that caused them is based.

The document also provides context for emission accounts within the broader framework of environmental accounts and highlights their importance for the implementation of EU environmental policies. (Spring , more on ec.europa.eu)