Covid cuts emissions, cutting greenhouse gases by 9.8% in 2020 compared to 2019

In 2020 there will be a cut of 9.8% of greenhouse gases nationally compared to 2019. This is the estimate of the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) which speaks of "Substantial reduction" especially due to the restrictive measures linked to the health emergency from Covid-19.

For the definition - it is explained - some information is still needed but the reduction of emissions should have been 9.8% "Compared to an expected reduction in GDP of 8.9%". This last thing confirms the “decoupling” between the emissions trend and the economic index.

According to the Institute "The estimated trend is due to the reduction of emissions for the production of electricity" with a “Minus 12.6%” . A lot has had to do with the anti-Covid squeeze and the lockdown, this reduction. And in fact, Ispra also speaks of " lower demand for energy", of " reduction of energy consumption in other sectors" as in industry with “ minus 9.9%” , and in transport with a "Minus 16.8%" due to the reduction of private traffic in cities; to this we must add the role of heating with a “minus 5.8%” due to the partial or total closure of public buildings and commercial activities.

The definitive official data of Ispra for 2019 show " a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2018 by 2.4%, while in the same period there was a growth in GDP of 0.3%" .

Comparing this element with the estimated reduction of emissions for 2020 and GDP - explains the Institute - “The decoupling between the trend of emissions and the trend of the economic index is confirmed in general”.

On the Ispra website you will find quarterly updates on the trend of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The estimate with this periodicity - it is written - “Aims to verify the dissociation between economic activity and pressure on the natural environment. The 'decoupling' occurs when the rate of growth of environmental pressure in a given period " such as greenhouse gas emissions is “Lower than that of economic activity” such as the GDP which “is at the origin of it”. 

The quarterly communication of these data makes it possible to “ inform on a regular basis on the trend of emissions and at the same time to show the interrelationships between the economy and the environment”.

Source: ISPRA; renewable.it