subjectEmissions Drivers
These graphs show the changes in emissions drivers in the Power, Industry, and Buildings sectors in the EU
Methane emissions from livestock declined as the number of cattle decreased.
Nitrous oxide emissions from livestock declined as the number of cattle decreased. Nitrous oxide emissions fell, due to decreases in both cropland area and fertilizer intensity.
Power
Power sector variables and impact on average emissions factor in the EU27
During the 1990s, increases in coal and natural gas efficiency and growing nuclear output drove down grid emissions intensity. In the 2000s, the fuel mix shifted away from coal and toward other sources, especially renewable energy. The efficiency of coal plants fell in the 2000s, possibly due to increased sulfur and other pollution controls.
Industry
Energy efficiency index (Odex) in industry in the EU27
Industrial energy efficiency improved across the board since 1990. There were no structural changes in industry that affected emissions intensity.
Buildings
Impacts of drivers on residential emissions
Population increase and smaller households- which led to more buildings and total floorspace —increased residential emissions. However, these factors were more than offset by increases in energy efficiency and renewable energy and a shift to electricity from other fuel sources.
Transport
Emissions intensity indices—EU27 + Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey
Emissions intensity declined steadily. Passenger transport efficiency improved more than freight transport efficiency. However, within road transport, freight improved three times as much as passenger travel (18% versus 6%) between 1995 and 2010 (not shown).