Higher CO2 emissions in second quarter of 2019

Higher CO₂ emissions by households and services sector

CO₂ emissions by households were nearly 13 percent higher than one year previously. Emissions by natural gas consumption were up as a result of the colder weather, especially in April and May. Emissions on account of motor fuel consumption were also higher than one year previously. In the second quarter of 2019, households occupied a share in total CO₂ emissions exceeding 18 percent. CO₂ emissions by the services sector were down by nearly 17 percent year-on-year. The share in total emissions stood at 12 percent.

Transport sector emits more CO₂

CO₂ emissions by the transport sector were up by 1.5 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2019. This sector accounted for over 13 percent of total emissions. Emissions by the aviation sector and inland shipping increased, emissions by sea shipping decreased.

CO₂ emissions up in agriculture and manufacturing

In the second quarter of 2019, emissions of CO₂ in the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing industry and construction were 0.4 percent up on one year previously. This cluster was responsible for over 24 percent of total emissions in that quarter. The petroleum industry and the agricultural sector in particular emitted more while emissions by the chemical industry were lower than one year previously.

Lower CO₂ emissions by energy companies

In the second quarter of 2019, CO₂ emissions by energy, water and waste management companies were down by 3.8 percent year-on-year. These companies accounted for over 32 percent of total CO₂ emissions. Electricity companies used less coal and more natural gas in their production process. Combustion of natural gas results in lower CO₂ emissions than coal combustion. Electricity production and the value added by the electricity companies were higher than in the second quarter of 2018.