CO2 emissions in 2017 fall back to 2015 level

The total emissions of greenhouse gases in 2017 corresponded with 56.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2 eq.), according to Statistics Finland’s preliminary data.

The volume of emissions declined by almost five per cent from that in 2016 and was at the level in 2015.

The fall in emissions was most influenced by the decreased consumption of the main fossil fuels and the increased share of biofuels in traffic.

Outside the EU, the emissions trading system went down by two per cent from 2016, but they exceeded the emission level allocation set by the EU for the second time.

Emissions in the energy sector diminished by six per cent and the fall in emissions was influenced most by the lower consumption of the main fossil fuels and the increased share of biofuels in traffic.

Emissions from industrial processes and product use fell by one per cent, emissions from agriculture by half a per cent and emissions in the waste sector by six per cent from 2016 to 2017.

According to the instant preliminary data, the carbon sink of the LULUCF sector in 2017 was equal to that in 2016, standing at around 27.1 million tonnes CO2 equivalent. Emissions and removals in this sector are not included in the total emissions calculated.