Higher CO2 emissions in fourth quarter of 2019

It was slightly colder in Q4 2019 than in the same quarter of 2018. Adjusted for this weather effect, CO₂ emissions were 1.2 percent higher than one year previously.

Higher CO₂ emissions by energy companies

In Q4 2019, CO₂ emissions by energy, water and waste management companies were up by 3.2 percent year-on-year. Emissions by these sectors were down in the first three quarters of 2019. These companies accounted for almost 28 percent of total CO₂ emissions. Electricity companies used less coal and more natural gas in their production process. Combustion of natural gas results in lower CO₂ emissions than coal combustion. Due to more electricity production, however, emissions were higher than in Q4 2018.

CO₂ emissions higher in agriculture and manufacturing

In Q4 2019, emissions of CO₂ in the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing industry and construction were 2.6 percent up on one year previously. This cluster was responsible for over 26 percent of total emissions in that quarter. The petroleum industry and the agricultural sector emitted more CO₂ while emissions by the basic metal industry were lower than one year previously.

Higher CO₂ emissions by households and services sector

CO₂ emissions by households were 1 percent higher than one year previously. Households consumed slightly more natural gas for heating of homes. Emissions on account of motor fuel consumption did not change. In Q4 2019, households occupied a share in total CO₂ emissions exceeding 21 percent. CO₂ emissions by the services sector were also up by 1 percent year-on-year. The share in total emissions stood at over 12 percent.

Transport sector emits less CO₂

CO₂ emissions by the transport sector were down by 0.9 percent year-on-year in Q4 2019. The value added (output minus intermediate consumption) was lower in this period as well. The transport sector accounted for over 12 percent of total emissions. Emissions by the aviation sector and inland navigation increased while emissions by maritime shipping and road haulage decreased.