EU energy emissions down 10% in pandemic year, estimate shows

The European Union's total carbon emissions from energy production plunged by 10 per cent last year amid strict coronavirus containment measures, according to a first estimate from the bloc's statistical office (Eurostat).

The amount of Earth-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere through fossil fuel combustion - mainly oil and oil products, coal, peat and natural gas - fell compared to 2019 in each of the 27 member states, Eurostat said on Friday.

The biggest changes were seen in Greece (-18.7 per cent), followed by Estonia (-18.1 per cent) and Luxembourg (-17.9 per cent), according to a press release.

The smallest shifts were seen in Malta (-1 per cent) and Hungary (-1.7 per cent.)

"CO2 emissions from energy use are a major contributor to global warming and account for some 75 per cent of all man-made EU greenhouse gas emissions," Eurostat said.

Restrictions

Weather conditions, economic growth, population size, transport and industrial activity all affect emissions, according to the Luxembourg-based agency.

Most EU states began shuttering shops, restaurants and schools from March, relaxed containment measures somewhat between May and September, before tightening back up again in the final months of the year.