The Cyprus economy is growing cleaner, as emissions per euro have fallen sharply, according to new Eurostat data released on Friday.
- The Cyprus economy is growing cleaner, as emissions per euro have fallen sharply, according to new Eurostat data released on Friday.
In 2024, the EU economy recorded 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalents in greenhouse gas emissions, marking a 1 per cent decline compared to 2023 and a notable 20 per cent reduction since 2013. This trend reflects ongoing structural changes across the bloc.
Emissions per: Cyprus Leads in Emissions Intensity Reduction
Cyprus has achieved a remarkable 28.9 per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions intensity between 2013 and 2024. This positions the country among those successfully decoupling economic growth from emissions output. Emissions intensity refers to the amount of greenhouse gases produced per euro of gross value added, serving as a key indicator of climate efficiency in economic production.
EU Emissions Trends
At the EU level, emissions intensity declined by 34 per cent over the same period, highlighting a significant improvement in efficiency as total greenhouse gas emissions fell while gross value added increased by 20 per cent. This dual trend of rising economic output alongside falling emissions showcases the progress made in energy use and production efficiency.
Sector-Specific Insights
Among various sectors, the energy sector exhibited the most substantial decline, reducing emissions by 49 per cent. This translates to a reduction of 512 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents, affecting areas such as electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning.
Other sectors also made notable strides in cutting emissions. Mining and quarrying saw a 37 per cent reduction, equivalent to 25 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents. The manufacturing sector achieved an 18 per cent decrease, amounting to 146 million tonnes, while services recorded a 14 per cent decline, translating into a reduction of 36 million tonnes.
Challenges in Transportation and Construction
Conversely, the transportation and storage sector was one of the few to experience an increase in emissions, with a 14 per cent rise since 2013, equating to an additional 57 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents. The construction sector also noted a 6 per cent increase in emissions, amounting to 3 million tonnes.
Comparative Performance Among EU Nations
Across the EU, Estonia achieved the largest drop in emissions intensity at 64 per cent between 2013 and 2024, followed by Ireland with a 50 per cent reduction and Finland at 44 per cent. In contrast, Malta was the only EU country to see an increase in emissions intensity, rising by 17 per cent since 2013.
Cyprus’ Progress in Context
Cyprus’ significant 28.9 per cent reduction in emissions intensity, while below the EU average, indicates a clear improvement in climate efficiency. The data underscores the varying pace of decarbonisation across sectors and countries, illustrating the ongoing efforts within the EU to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.
