Czech Republic Achieves Dramatic Cut in Emissions, Closing in on EU Target

In a remarkable environmental breakthrough, the Czech Republic has achieved its most significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since the 1990s. Data submitted to the European Commission by the Ministry of Environment reveals a stunning 15% decrease in emissions during 2023.

The country’s total emissions dropped to 99 million tonnes, marking a historic milestone by falling below the 100-million-tonne threshold for the first time. This represents a reduction of 17.5 million tonnes compared to the previous year.

Minister Petr Hladík emphasized that while this achievement is significant, the focus must now shift to ensuring this isn’t just a temporary fluctuation but rather a sustainable trend in decarbonizing the energy sector and economy, without compromising competitiveness or public welfare.

The energy sector led the reduction efforts with a 7-million-tonne decrease, while both industry and building heating each contributed 2-million-tonne reductions. Transportation sector emissions fell by 1 million tonnes. An unexpected boost came from forest recovery following bark beetle calamity, with the land use and forestry sector absorbing 3.5 million tonnes of emissions in 2023, compared to being a source of 1.5 million tonnes in 2022.

With emissions now 47% lower than 1990 levels, the Czech Republic is well-positioned to meet the EU’s target of a 55% reduction by 2030.