The latest figures released by the European Union have revealed that greenhouse gas emissions are continuing to fall steadily. Between 2010 and 2011, emissions fell from 4.7 to 4.5 million tons – a decline of 3.3 percent. This represents the lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in reports stretching back to 1990.
The impressive reduction has been primarily attributed 2011’s mild winter in comparison to 2010, which resulted in lower heating demands. Nevertheless, the EU is making excellent progress towards meeting its emission targets.
The United States has proven equally successful at reducing its carbon dioxide emissions in recent years. In 2007, 7.3 million tons of greenhouse gases were recorded – this number fell to 6.7 million tons in 2011.
Electricity generation through natural gas rather than coal is the primary reason for the decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Energy related emissions of carbon dioxide are now at their lowest level since 1994 after a 12 percent decline between 2005 and 2012.
EU and US Slash Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Description
This chart shows greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and US from 1990 to 2011 (in million tons)
