EU greenhouse gas emissions rose by 2.2% in Q4 2024 despite economic growth

Greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union increased by 2.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching an estimated 897 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents. In the same quarter, the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 1.5%, according to data released by Eurostat.

The quarterly estimates, which track emissions by economic activity, showed that the two sectors contributing most to the increase were households, with a 5.2% rise in emissions, and the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector, which recorded a 4.6% increase.

Despite the overall rise in emissions, six EU member states recorded year-on-year declines. The largest decreases were observed in Estonia (-11.3%), Finland (-6.1%), and Sweden (-2.3%). Of these, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Luxembourg managed to reduce emissions while also achieving GDP growth. Latvia and Austria, meanwhile, experienced both lower emissions and declining GDP.

These findings highlight a continued link between economic activity and emissions in many parts of the EU, though some countries demonstrated that emissions can fall even as economies expand. The data form part of Eurostat’s quarterly greenhouse gas emissions estimates, which complement broader socio-economic indicators such as GDP and employment.

Source: eurostat