The International Energy Agency (IEA) has acknowledged “weaknesses” in how biomass energy is counted in national statistics after several EU countries reported a sudden increase in residential wood burning to meet their 2020 renewable energy goals. Frédéric Simon discusses the statistics in an article on the EURACTIV website. Exposed: How EU countries use firewood … Continue reading Renewable energy statistics are probably overstated because of the way biomass is counted in EU renewable energy statistics, especially when it is burned for heating
Category: data
Carbon emissions: “You have to ask: When are they going to go down?”
Pandemic recovery and an uptick in the use of coal amid the Ukraine war are significant drivers behind carbon emissions. Roshni Majumdar discusses latest developments in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. COP27: Fossil fuel carbon emissions to hit all-time high Climate scientists warned Friday that harmful carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels … Continue reading Carbon emissions: “You have to ask: When are they going to go down?”
New EEA report on progress in EU reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption
GHG emissions and energy consumption rose in 2021 due mostly to Europe’s post-pandemic recovery, according to the latest ‘Trends and Projections’ report published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Most EU Member States successfully achieved the EU’s 2020 climate and energy targets and are now turning their sights toward climate neutrality while also … Continue reading New EEA report on progress in EU reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption
New EEA data shows that CO2 emissions from new cars dropped by 12% in 2020
Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new cars dropped by 12% in 2020 compared to the year before, according to final figures published this week by the European Environment Agency. The main reason for the sharp decrease of emissions was a surge in the share of electric vehicle registrations. Average carbon dioxide emissions from … Continue reading New EEA data shows that CO2 emissions from new cars dropped by 12% in 2020
New EEA reports on which European cities have the best air quality
The cleanest cities in Europe in terms of air quality during 2020 and 2021 were Umeå in Sweden, and Faro and Funchal in Portugal according to the updated European city air quality data viewer published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) recently. In addition to the viewer, the EEA also published two reports looking at … Continue reading New EEA reports on which European cities have the best air quality
EEA published latest GHG inventory showing substantial reductions in 2020
The European Union continued to record substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions in 2020, posting an 11% drop compared to 2019, according to the latest official data published this week by the European Environment Agency. The data confirms a 30-year downward trend which led to the EU achieving its 2020 target to reduce emissions by 20% … Continue reading EEA published latest GHG inventory showing substantial reductions in 2020
Real time monitoring of CO₂ and other gases is not only achievable but is something all cities should do
One of the biggest challenges for any city seeking to reach net zero is knowing exactly where its emissions are coming from. CO₂ is not routinely measured in real time by city authorities anywhere in the world; however, a pilot project in Glasgow shows it is achievable. Craig Michie, Professor of Electrical Engineering, at University … Continue reading Real time monitoring of CO₂ and other gases is not only achievable but is something all cities should do
New EEA report on analysis of air quality in Europe
The vast majority of Europe’s urban population is exposed to levels of air pollutants above new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, according to an updated European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis on air quality in Europe released this week. Europe’s urban population remains at risk due to levels of air pollution known to damage health … Continue reading New EEA report on analysis of air quality in Europe
New EEA briefing on data of key air pollutants in Europe
Concentrations of key air pollutants remain too high in most European countries. According to the European Environment Agency’s official data, published this week, most European Union (EU) Member States exceed at least one or more of the EU’s legal limits for pollutants in ambient air in 2019. Air pollution still too high in most … Continue reading New EEA briefing on data of key air pollutants in Europe
From the EEA: waste generation and decoupling in Europe
Between 2010 and 2018, total waste generation increased by 5% (114 million tonnes) in the EU-27 according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). When major mineral wastes are excluded from the total, it increased by 7% (50.3 million tonnes). This means that the EU-27 is not on track to meet its policy goal of reducing … Continue reading From the EEA: waste generation and decoupling in Europe