The Netherlands and the Kyoto target

The Netherlands has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 4 percent a year in the period 2008-2010 relative to the  Kyoto base year, whereas the target is 6 percent. So emissions have to be reduced even further to reach the target. It is mainly the countries in eastern Europe that have already met and exceeded their targets by quite a margin.

The Netherlands has to reduce emissions further

The Netherlands seems to be proceeding slowly in the direction of its Kyoto target. Dutch emissions have to be cut by an average of 6 percent a year relative to the Kyoto base year, whereas the average in the period 2008-2010 was 4 percent. In 2010 the Netherlands saw its emissions increase on 2009. The 2011 outlook, however, is more positive. The preliminary figures for 2011 show an 8 percent reduction, which brings the average annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 5 percent in the period 2008-2011. The Netherlands must cut emissions by 10 percent in 2012 relative to the base year to reach the 6 percent Kyoto target.

East European countries performing well

It is mainly the countries in eastern Europe that have greatly reduced their greenhouse gas emissions relative to the Kyoto base year. Lithuania exceeds them all with an annual reduction averaging 56 percent in the period 2008-2010, while its target is 8 percent. This is mainly attributable to the large decrease in activities by its energy and manufacturing sectors in the years 1991-1993. Austria is furthest from its target. Its annual emissions had to be cut by 13 percent relative to the base year, but instead they increased by 6 percent. The rise was mainly caused by an increase in emissions in the energy sector.

During the introduction of the Kyoto protocol, France and Finland had to keep their emissions at least at the same level as in the Kyoto base year. France succeeded very well, reducing its emissions by 7 percent. Finland cut its annual greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1 percent from the base year, which means that it is well on its way to achieving the Kyoto target.

Kyoto target and realisation in the EU, 2008-2010