Greenhouse gas emissions rise slightly in 2024 for first time since 2021
Belgium’s greenhouse gas emissions increased slightly in 2024, marking the first rise since 2021, according to figures released by the Belgian Climate Change Service.
Excluding emissions and removals linked to land use and forestry (LULUCF), emissions rose by 0.2 per cent compared with 2023, reaching 98 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent. This follows a notable 4.7 per cent decline recorded the previous year.
The increase was largely driven by higher emissions from heavy industry in Flanders, particularly in the metal, chemical and refining sectors. This was partially offset by a reduction in emissions in Wallonia.
Despite the uptick, overall emissions remain 32.6 per cent below 1990 levels. However, Belgium is aiming for a 47 per cent reduction from that baseline by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050 - targets that would require the pace of emissions cuts to double.
Including LULUCF, total emissions stood at 97.4 megatonnes in 2024, representing a marginal decrease of 0.03 per cent.
Carbon dioxide remains the dominant greenhouse gas, accounting for 87.2 per cent of emissions, followed by methane (7.1 per cent) and nitrous oxide (3.9 per cent).
Transport continues to be a key concern. Emissions from the sector have risen by 18.8% since 1990 and now account for more than a quarter of total emissions. Heating in non-residential buildings has also increased, while most other sectors have seen declines.
© PHOTO THIBAUD MORITZ / AFP
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