1. Greenhouse gas emissions decreased by
10 percent in the Basque Country in 2009
December 30th 2010
Greenhouse gas emissions in the Basque Country decreased by 10% in 2009 with
respect to 2008. In absolute terms, 22.6 million tonnes of CO2 were produced in 2009
compared with 25.2 million in 2008.
The “2009 Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Autonomous Region of the
Basque Country”, released today by the Department for the Environment, Territorial
Planning, Agriculture and Fishing, shows that despite the current economic situation,
CO2 emissions have decreased at a greater rate than Gross Domestic Product (10%
compared to 4%, respectively), continuing a trend that commenced in 2002 whereby the
production of goods and services does not necessarily entail an increase in greenhouse
gases. In other words, each unit of production within goods and services emits less CO2.
With regards to the objectives set by the Basque Government within the Basque Plan
for the Fight against Climate Change 2008-2012, emissions rose by 6% with respect to
the base year (1990). Emissions were, therefore, lower than the maximum established as
an objective in the climate change plan, where the goal was a rise of no more than 14%.
The energy sector is responsible for 40% of emissions in the Basque Country, taking in
both emissions from installations in the Autonomous Region of the Basque Country and
a proportion of emissions from other installations in the electrical system.
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Energy sector emissions for 2009 were lower than in 2008 due to an improvement in the
production of electricity and a reduction in the demand for electricity as a result of a
decrease in consumption, especially in industry and transport.
With respect to 1990, emissions in the energy sector increased by 15%. Two factors can
explain this: emissions associated with the production of electricity fell steadily and the
consumption of electricity rose steadily between 1990 and 2007. That is, technology for
energy production has been improving since 1990, leading to a decrease in emissions.
However, per capita consumption has increased at a greater rate.
The transport sector is responsible for 23% of emissions in the Basque Country. Road
transport accounts for approximately 98% of emissions in this sector. Passenger
vehicles generate approximately 60% whilst freight transport nearly 40%. For the
second consecutive year, emissions have decreased with respect to the previous year.
With respect to 1990, both emissions from freight transport and passenger vehicles have
doubled, resulting in an increase in emissions from the use of cars and the movement of
freight in light-vehicles.

2. Furthermore, technological advances have led to the development of more fuel-efficient
vehicles that produce increasingly fewer emissions. Despite this, road transport has been
increasing every year, especially private vehicle use.
The industrial sector produces 22% of emissions in the Autonomous Region of the
Basque Country; however, if we consider emissions associated with the energy
consumed by the sector (indirect emissions), this percentage rises to 37%.
With respect to 1990, direct emissions decreased by 35%, evidence of the
transformation and technological change the sector has experienced. The highest level
of emissions is attributable to the iron, cement, pulp and paper sub-sectors.
The residential and services sector is responsible for 6% of greenhouse emissions in the
Autonomous Region of the Basque Country. If we also take into account emissions
associated with the energy it consumes (indirect emissions), this percentage rises to
16%. The residential sector has witnessed a 38% increase in direct emissions since
1990, whilst the services sector has witnessed an 83% increase.
The agricultural sector increased emissions by 0.17% with respect to 2008, due
principally to an increase in fuel consumption. Emissions in this sector account for 4%
of total emissions for the Autonomous Region of the Basque Country, equivalent to 0.8
Mt of CO2, which has meant a 29% decrease with respect to 1990.
Environmental Profile for the Basque Country for 2009
Pilar Unzalu’s Department for the Environment has released the “Environmental Profile
for the Basque Country for 2009”, a diagnostic report which serves to monitor the II
Environmental Framework Program for the Autonomous Region of the Basque
Country, which serves two purposes: to assess progress in meeting environmental
commitments and to offer citizens information on the evolution of the environment in
2009.
The environmental indicators in the document show that the Autonomous Region of the
Basque Country’s environment is recovering, especially with respect to water and air
quality, the prevention and recovery of contaminated land, the promotion of the
consumption and production of sustainable energy, waste reduction, balanced land use,
greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation to climate change, all of which saw
improvements in 2009.
Environmental aspects that show a negative trend include current models of mobility
and the consumption of natural resources, yet the maintenance of biodiversity remains
stable.
III Environmental Framework Program for the Basque Country
Pilar Unzalu’s Department is currently drafting the III Environmental Framework
Program (EFP) for the Basque Country, which will define the environmental priorities
for the Basque Country for the following four years within the framework of the

3. Strategy for Sustainable Development, EcoEuskadi 2020, launched by the Basque
Government.
In line with the approach adopted by the European Union, the third EFP will feature
simplified indicators and only five strategic objectives, which are:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change in
the Basque Country.
• Halt the loss of biological diversity and recover ecosystems.
• Prevent waste production and promote waste recovery.
• Achieve a clean and healthy environment.
• Restrict man-made landscapes and promote the reuse of land.
The Basque Government will continue to work towards achieving the goals outlined in
the third EFP through institutions, universities, businesses and environmental
organisations. Furthermore, platforms for participation and information regarding this
Program have been created online (www.irekia.net and www.ingurumena.net).
Further information can be obtained by visiting
http://www.ingurumena.ejgv.euskadi.net/r49-579/es/ or by contacting the Press Chief of
the Basque Country’s Department for the Environment, Territorial Planning,
Agriculture and Fishing. Jon Uranga (Tel.: 945 01 96 34. Email j-uranga@ej-gv.es)