Greenhouse gas emissions in Flanders have fallen to their lowest point this century. So reports Statistics Flanders, based on figures from the Flemish Environment Agency for 2023.
Emissions, still accounting for 65,4 megatons (Mton) of greenhouse gas CO2 equivalents, were notably lower than in the COVID-19 year 2020.
Decrease of 3,5 Mton CO2
In 2023, 65,4 megatons of CO2 equivalents of greenhouse gases were emitted in Flanders. CO2 accounts for the majority (87%) of total emissions. This represents a decrease of 3,5 Mton CO2 equivalents compared to 2022. Compared to 2005, emissions in 2023 were 29% lower.
Emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide) fell by 28% between 2005 and 2023, N20 (nitrous oxide) by 49%, and CH4 (methane) by 14%. F-gases (fluorinated greenhouse gases) emissions were 37% below 2005 levels, mainly due to reduction efforts in the chemical industry.
Still a lot of work to do
European member states must reduce emissions not covered by the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) with annual reduction targets. These are mainly emissions from transport, households, trade and services, agriculture and waste, and some parts of the industry and energy sectors. By 2030, ETS greenhouse gas emissions must be 62% lower than in 2005.
The European system does not cover more than half (60%) of greenhouse gas emissions in the Flemish region. According to the most recent figures, dating from 2019, the carbon footprint in Flanders was 14,7 tons of CO2 equivalent (open definition) per inhabitant. To limit the average global temperature increase to 2°C, global greenhouse gas emissions should not exceed an average of 1 ton of CO2 equivalents per inhabitant per year.
