Pollution Set to Fall in EU This Year to the Lowest In Decades

(Bloomberg) -- European Union carbon dioxide emissions this year are set to fall to a level not seen since the late 1950s.

The fallout from the coronavirus that saw industry shut down, businesses close and citizens stay at home will lead to a 10% fall in CO2 pollution this year, according to the International Energy Agency.

The anticipated drop comes after 2019’s record fall across the EU. However, the decrease can’t make policy makers complacent because without stepping up efforts to fight climate change the emissions will rise, Fatih Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director, said Thursday.

“Now in 2020, we’re with European emissions back to 70 years ago,” Birol said in a video conference to reporters. “But of course the issue is here how do we in Europe avoid emissions to rebound with the economic recovery.”

The IEA recommended that the EU step up efforts to increase energy efficiency, grow the share of renewable fuels and boost electrification. That’s broadly in line with measures planned under bloc’s Green Deal, which is also set to be a key pillar of the EU’s 750-billion-euro ($842 million) economic rescue program.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.