Slight rise in CO2 emissions
In the fourth quarter of 2014 the Dutch economy increased its CO2 emissions by 0.1 percent on the same quarter of 2013. When adjusted for the relatively high temperatures in the fourth quarter, CO2 emissions rose by 1.4 percent. Year-on-year growth of the Dutch economy in the fourth quarter of 2014 was 1.0 percent according to the first provisional estimate by Statistics Netherlands. Dutch CO2 emissions are calculated according to the definitions of the Environmental Accounts.
More CO2 emissions in the transport sector due to growing trade
CO2 emissions by the transport sector went up due to extra traffic movements as a result of growing trade flows. The increases were found in the transport of goods by road, sea shipping and shipping by inland waterways.
Energy companies produced higher CO2 emissions
CO2 emissions by ‘energy, water supply and waste management’ were much higher than one year earlier. Electricity producers increased their production of electricity. Electricity exports rose sharply because of greatly increased demand from Belgium. Much more coal was used in the fourth quarter of 2014 than in the corresponding quarter of 2013, while the use of natural gas decreased.
The manufacture of basic chemicals lowered its CO2 emissions
CO2 emissions decreased in ‘agriculture, mining, manufacturing and construction’ compared to 2013. Due to the relatively mild weather, agriculture emitted less for heating stables and greenhouses. The emission-intensive manufacture of basic chemicals and the petrochemical industry produced less in the fourth quarter of 2014 than in the corresponding quarter of 2013. The lower production resulted in lower emissions. However, the oil refineries produced substantially more, causing more CO2 emissions.
Lower CO2 emissions by households and services thanks to relatively warm weather
Due to the relatively mild winter weather, households and services used less natural gas for heating spaces, and hence their CO2 emissions were lower. Particularly October and November were warmer than in 2013.