Driving forces behind EU-27 greenhouse gas emissions over the decade 1999-2008

This publication looks at important trends in the source sectors of greenhouse gas emissions to help understand what led to the emissions reduction in the decade of 1999-2008. The European Statistical System collects official statistics that are often used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions which are then reported in emissions inventories. Thus, while the inventory data is collected by the European Environment Agency, Eurostat has statistics that provide a solid basis for analysis of the underlying driving forces behind emissions. Climate change is a major threat to sustainable development. Indicators that monitor progress towards the objectives and targets of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy are utilized in the publication to provide the framework for the present analysis.