Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity in Cyprus decreased by 26.1% in 2023 compared to 2013, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Across the EU, emission intensity fell by 32% over the same period.

GHG emission intensity measures the amount of emissions (in CO2 equivalents) per unit of gross value added (in euros). A reduction in emission intensity signifies fewer emissions are produced for the same level of economic value.

Eurostat noted that while the EU's emission intensity dropped between 2013 and 2023, the EU economy expanded its gross value added by 19%. In Cyprus, the 26.1% reduction in emission intensity coincided with a remarkable 48.3% growth in the economy's gross value added.

The steepest reductions in emission intensity from 2013 to 2023 were observed in Estonia (-61%), Ireland (-50%), and Slovenia (-41%). Conversely, countries like Austria (-17%), Lithuania (-17%), and Luxembourg (-19%) recorded only moderate decreases.

In absolute terms, GHG emissions from economic activities and households in the EU totaled 3.4 billion tons of CO2 equivalents in 2023. This marks a 7% reduction compared to 2022 and an 18% drop from 2013. Eurostat did not provide emission change data specific to individual EU member states in this release.

Between 2013 and 2023, most economic sectors in the EU experienced declines in GHG emissions:

• Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply: This sector saw the sharpest and most significant reduction, with emissions dropping by 43% (448 million tons of CO2 equivalents).

• Mining and Quarrying: Emissions fell by 25% (18 million tons of CO2 equivalents).

• Services: Emissions decreased by 20% (54 million tons of CO2 equivalents).

• Manufacturing: Emissions declined by 17% (142 million tons of CO2 equivalents).

The only sector that recorded an increase was transportation and storage, where emissions rose by 14% over the same period.

Emissions from households also declined significantly, with a 14% reduction (110 million tons of CO2 equivalents) recorded between 2013 and 2023.