In the third quarter of 2022, EU economic greenhouse gas emissions 854 million tons in total CO2-equivalent (CO2-eq), an increase of 2% compared to the same quarter in 2021. This increase is largely related to the impact of the economic recovery, gross domestic product (GDP) Growth after a sharp drop in activity due to the COVID-19 crisis. In fact, compared to the pre-pandemic third quarter of 2019, the EU economy’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 4% (from 889 million to 854 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent).
This information is Quarterly estimates of greenhouse gas emissions by economic activity Eurostat announced today. Quarterly estimates of greenhouse gas emissions complement quarterly socioeconomic data such as GDP and employment. This article presents some findings from a more in-depth study. Statistical commentary on quarterly greenhouse gas emissions.
Source dataset: env_ac_aigg_q and namq_10_gdp
In the EU, GDP slightly exceeded greenhouse gas emissions in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter in 2021 (+2% in greenhouse gas emissions and +3% in GDP) . Both GDP and emissions increased in most EU member states, and some even managed to reduce emissions while increasing GDP.
In the third quarter of 2022, the economic sectors with the highest greenhouse gas emissions will be manufacturing (23%), electricity and gas supply (21%), households and agriculture (both 14%). This was followed by “transportation and storage” (13%).
Source dataset: env_ac_aigg_q and namq_10_gdp
Emissions in the third quarter of 2022 increased in 16 of the 27 EU Member States compared to the same quarter in 2021, indicating recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ireland (+17%), Estonia and Malta (both +8%) were among the EU countries whose emissions increased over the same comparative period. On the other hand, the largest reductions in emissions were recorded in Lithuania (-6%), Slovakia and the Netherlands (both -5%).