Climate action in Latvia: Latest state of play

Summary:

The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate plans (NECPs) to cover the 2021-2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published an assessment for each NECP. Latvia submitted its NECP in November 2019. More than half (56 %) of Latvians expect national governments to tackle climate change.

Latvia accounts for 0.3 % of total EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its emissions increased between 2005 and 2019, in contrast to the average EU trend. The carbon intensity of Latvia's economy is higher than the EU average, but has declined since 2005.

Emissions from the transport sector increased by 6.9 % between 2005 and 2019, accounting for 27.8 % of total emissions. The manufacturing industries and construction sector showed the biggest percentage reduction (42 %) in emissions over the period. Under EU effort-sharing legislation, Latvia was allowed to increase its emissions by 17 % by 2020, compared with 2005, and in 2019 was on track to achieving the target.

Latvia achieved a 41 % share of renewable energy sources in 2019 and aims to reach 50 % by 2030. The European Commission regards this ambition as adequate, but warns of possible hurdles.

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