European greenhouse gas emissions continue falling trend
Tue 22 April 2008
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Total emissions of greenhouse gases in Europe fell in 2006, according to the preliminary aggregate figures published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The fall follows a reduction in emissions in 2005 after a two-year rising trend.
The EEA compiles the European Community greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report annually, which is formally submitted by the European Commission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), providing evidence for compliance with the Kyoto Protocol.
Emissions in the 15 pre-2004 EU enlargement member states were down by nearly 1% on the previous year and in 2006 were 2.7 per cent below Kyoto's 1990 baseline. Under Kyoto, these 15 countries must cut their emissions a further eight per cent below the baseline by 2012. Emissions for all the EU's 27 members are 7.4 per cent below the baseline.
Households and offices appear to have contributed most to the emissions decrease in 2006, helped by milder winter weather. France, Italy and the UK achieved the biggest emission cuts. However, CO2 emissions from electricity and heat production increased. The EEA is due to publish a more detailed analysis in June.
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