Emissions from EU economic activity now slightly higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic, reports European Statistical Office.

Emissions from economic activities in the last quarter of last year amounted to 1.041 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, which is an increase compared to 1.005 million tons registered in the same period in 2019.

Of this, households account for 22 percent, production and electricity account for 21 percent, while agricultural activities are responsible for 12 percent of the harmful gases released into the atmosphere.

Emissions at the end of last year increased in all EU countries, compared to the same period in 2020 when the pandemic began.

Estonia has the largest annual growth of 28 percent, ahead of Bulgaria and Malta with an increase of 27 and 23 percent, respectively. In the countries indicated, the increase in emissions exceeded the decline caused by the pandemic. The slightest increase is recorded in Cyprus with 0,3 percent.

Under the European Green Agreement, EU member states are aiming to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2030 percent of their 55 emissions by 1990.