One billion tonnes of CO2 avoided since 2005 in Europe: half due to energy-climate policies and half due to economic context

21 December 2013 - Climate Brief

By Olivier Gloaguen and Emilie Alberola

CO2 emissions generated by installations covered by the EU ETS decreased by 12.3 % since 2005, i.e a decline by 2.6% per year during Phase 2 of the EU ETS while the emission cap increased by 1% per year.
The EU ETS ended Phase 2 with a surplus of 1,742 million of allowances. All sectors recorded an overall net surplus, except for the power generation and co-generation sectors.
Based on a “business-as-usual” scenario, we estimate that around 1.1 GtCO2 were avoided between 2005 and 2011: around 30% of the reduction was the result of a fall in manufacturing output, while around 60% of the reduction was caused by the development of renewable energy and the improvement of the energy intensity.

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One billion tonnes of CO2 avoided since 2005 in Europe: half due to energy-climate policies and half due to economic context

EU Member States set 2040 climate target – but is the Union on track for 2030 in the energy sector?

Food sovereignty relies on ecological planning

Which production assets for more resilient and sustainable agricultural and food sectors? Which investment needs? Which stranded assets?