Emissions fall for third consecutive year

However, the EEA, which announced the figures last week, also said much of the reduction was down to a combination of warmer weather and more expensive power bills – rather than a move towards greener living.

But, as a result the majority of households across the continent showed a drop in emissions, with German homes showing the biggest fall.

Overall domestic emissions were 9.3% below 1990 levels, which was a drop of 1.2% or 59m tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 2006.

Professor Jacqueline McGlade, EEA executive director, said: “The economic stimulus packages that governments are currently adopting represent a crucial opportunity to address the climate crisis and the financial crisis simultaneously.

“A strong Copenhagen agreement later this year would drive forward investments vital to our future prosperity.”

The report also revealed all 15 EU States, except Spain and Greece, reduced emissions.

Luke Walsh