In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions were 1.6 percent lower than in 2023. This decrease is smaller than in the previous two years, when emissions fell by about 7 percent. The slight decrease in 2024 is due to lower emissions from the electricity and mobility sectors, while the industry sector emitted more. This is reported by RIVM/Emission Registration and CBS based on preliminary quarterly figures on greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2024, greenhouse gas emissions were 37 percent lower than in 1990, the reference year for the Climate Act. Since 1990, all climate sectors have emitted fewer greenhouse gases. For example, the industry sector emits significantly less methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Emissions from the electricity sector are also lower. Especially since 2017, energy from fossil fuels has increasingly been replaced by energy from biomass, solar, and wind.
The Climate Act stipulates that by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions must be 55 percent lower than in 1990. This equates to a total reduction of 125 Megatons of CO2 equivalent*. Between 1990 and 2023, emissions decreased by an average of 2.5 Megatons per year. In 2024, emissions decreased by 2 Megatons. To meet the Climate Act's target, emissions must decrease by an average of 7 Megatons per year over the next six years.
Figure: Emission of green house gases since 1990 in accordance to IPCC guidelines
Source: CBS RIVM/Emissieregistratie