The GHGs Evolution of LULUCF Sector at the European Union (EU-27+UK): Romania Case Study

Mitigating climate change is a challenge that urgently needs to be addressed, as it has an increasing impact on the planet. According to the latest reports, global CO2 emissions must be neutralized by 2050 in order to limit the rise in temperature to 1.5 degrees C. This work presents the evolution of Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions/removals at the EU-27 + UK level for the 1990-2019 time period, as well as LULUCF emissions/removals forecasts for Romania up to 2040. The results revealed a 23% reduction in GHG emissions for the EU-27 + UK in 2019 compared to 1990. Romania's yearly average of GHG emissions/removals was 28,000 kt CO2 eq., representing roughly 9.7% of the EU's annual average. In terms of projections for Romania, the only scenario that will not be in the target set by the new LULUCF Regulation is WEM (Reference Scenario/With Existing Measures), in which net GHG removals will be reduced by approximately 218 kt CO2 eq., or 0.9 percent, in 2030 compared to the reference year; in 2040 compared to 1989, the trend will be accentuated both in absolute values, with a decrease of over 3000 kt CO2 eq., and in relative values of 12%.

Automated summary

Mitigating climate change is an urgent challenge, and global CO2 emissions need to be neutralized by 2050 to limit temperature rise. The study shows that GHG emissions have decreased in the EU-27 + UK over the past few decades, with Romania having a significant share. Future projections indicate a reduction in GHG removals in Romania, requiring measures to be taken.